Consumption
Toy sales for Epiphany Kings grew 0.9% in 2026
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Toy and game sales for Epiphany Day in Argentina rose 0.9% in units compared to 2025, driven by promotions and stable prices, according to the Argentine Toy Industry Chamber (CAIJ). This marks the second consecutive year of slight increases amid a challenging consumption environment. Toys accounted for over 80% of gifts for children under 6 years old.
In 2025, Colombia's cultural sector grew nearly 30%, driven by concerts and massive events. Tourism also shone with over 6 million international visitors. This trend reflects a shift in consumer priorities toward memorable experiences.
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China is harnessing the extended Lunar New Year holiday to attract more spending from international tourists, as it seeks to overcome a recent economic slowdown and shift toward consumption-driven growth. In a rare joint initiative by nine central government departments, Beijing announced plans to transform the holiday—which began on Sunday and runs through February 23—into a “consumption feast that links regions and engages everyone.” Local governments are encouraged to release multilingual guides introducing Lunar New Year folk customs to help tourists experience China’s cultural heritage and holiday traditions.
The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) announced that the tariff flag for January 2026 will be green, with no extra costs on electricity bills for Brazilian consumers. This follows eight months of yellow and red flags, due to maintained rainfall and hydroelectric reservoir levels in November and December. The last green flag was applied in April 2025.
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Starting January 1, 2026, gasoline and diesel prices in Mexico will increase due to the annual update of the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS), as announced by the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP). This adjustment is based on the National Consumer Price Index (INPC) for November 2025, which stood at 142.645 points.
A new report from CAN shows that Swedes' alcohol consumption has decreased by 6.5 percent over five years. At the same time, purchases at the state monopoly Systembolaget have increased. Fewer Swedes buy alcohol abroad, partly due to the pandemic and changed habits.