In the first half of February, Mexicans experienced a decrease in purchasing power as inflation rose to 3.92%, surpassing analysts' expectations of 3.89% according to a Bloomberg survey. This surge is attributed to the implementation of new taxes on a wide range of everyday products and tariffs on goods imported from Asia. The inflation rate also reflects broader economic conditions and pressures on consumers who are already facing financial strains.

The underlying inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, slightly decelerated to 4.52% from 4.56% at the end of January. This may indicate some stabilization in certain sectors, but the overall rise in general prices remains a concern for both consumers and policymakers. The rise in inflation could lead to more stringent monetary policies or adjustments in fiscal measures to contain further price increases and protect consumer purchasing power.

To illustrate the inflation's impact, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) published a list of products that saw the most significant price increases in February. These products are critical as they form a substantial part of the daily expenses for Mexican households and provide insight into the current economic challenges faced by the population. Addressing inflation and its root causes will be essential for the government moving forward, particularly in ensuring that the economic conditions do not lead to deeper financial distress among citizens.