El Caribe explains that, according to the new proposed taxes, consumer items will see increases as soon as January. If the tax bill is approved by Congress as sent by the Executive Branch, the price of beer would contain a 32.5% tax, up from 25% previously and the price of rum and wine would include a 45.5% tax, up from 35%. Smokers would pay 65% on cigarettes, up from 50%. Rugs will now pay a tax of 39%, and microwaves will be taxed 19.5%. The Diario Libre says that taxes on vehicles will also go up, as will taxes on firearms, watches, air conditioners, radios, TVs, perfumes and other articles included on the 70-item luxury tax list. Congress has until Monday, 12 January to pass the bill authorizing the tax increases.