The Philippines will extend the temporary suspension on sugar imports from the current milling season through next year to prioritize domestically produced sugar.
On Friday, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration reaffirmed a ban on sugar imports aimed at stabilizing the market.
The agencies stated that the suspension of sugar imports will remain in place through the end of the current harvest season, and possibly beyond, to support higher domestic sugar production and prioritize local consumption.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Kiko Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the policy, initially introduced on October 15, could be extended until the end of the milling season or possibly through December, depending on available stock levels.
He highlighted increased domestic raw sugar production and stressed the importance of giving preference to locally produced sugar after last year’s stronger output.
The DA and SRA are also drafting a regulatory framework for molasses imports, which Tiu Laurel said will provide additional protection for domestic producers.
According to the proposed rules, molasses users must first purchase and utilize locally produced molasses. Imports will only be permitted once these conditions are met and in line with a set ratio, subject to approval from the SRA.
To counter falling farmgate prices, the agencies will launch a government procurement program for raw sugar, storing the purchases as buffer stocks for up to 90 days.
Tiu Laurel explained that the decision came after months of consultations with industry stakeholders. Under the initiative, the SRA will acquire up to 400,000 metric tons of raw sugar to be held as reserve stocks for 90 days, while also facilitating a 100,000-metric-ton raw sugar export quota to the United States.
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