Sugar import ban stays until 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured sugar producers and traders that the government will not import sugar until mid-2026, in a bid to ease market anxiety following weak prices seen during the first sugar auction in Negros earlier this month.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Paul Azcona and SRA board member and farmers’ representative Dave Sanson met with industry stakeholders to address concerns over the declining prices of raw sugar that surfaced during the Oct. 9 trading.

“Let us be clear – there is, and never was, any talk of an importation program for crop year 2025-2026 until we finish significant milling, have firm production figures and ensure any imports would only be classified as C or reserve sugar,” Tiu Laurel and Azcona said in a joint statement.

The government agency added that a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar would be maintained to ensure steady supply and prevent sudden price spikes.

Any future imports, the DA said, will only be classified as reserve sugar and will not be released into the domestic market.

Sanson said the decision sends a strong signal to sugar producers that the government is serious about stabilizing prices and protecting local growers.

“This move assures our farmers that the current administration prioritizes their welfare. It’s a welcome development and we hope this stabilizes prices now that speculation has been addressed,” Sanson said.

Industry data show that sugarcane production areas have expanded from 380,000 hectares in 2022 to 409,000 hectares this year, reflecting renewed confidence in the sector.

The DA said farmgate prices have remained steady under the current administration, helping sustain production while keeping retail prices manageable for consumers.

As of early June, the country’s domestic sugar output reached 2.015 million metric tons (MT), according to the DA.

This level of production already surpasses the 1.922 million MT recorded in the previous crop year.

It also marks the highest sugar output in four years, approaching the 2.14 million MT recorded in 2020-2021.