MANILA, Philippines — Local raw-sugar production fell 11 percent to 100,995 metric tons (MT) as of Oct. 22, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.
Based on data on sugar production for crop year 2017-2018, output of 50-kilogram bags reached 2.01 million, down from 2.3 million a year ago.
The country’s raw-sugar demand was 33 percent higher at 323,401 MT.
The total sugarcanes milled during the period also declined 10 percent to 1.3 million MT.
Eight mills have started milling as of Oct 22 namely Biscom, First Farmers, Hawaiian, La Carlota, Sagay, URC-Sonedco and Victorias, where more than half or 57 percent came from Victorias.
In terms of refined sugar, production nearly tripled to 29,602 MT from 10,143 MT.
Sugar prices in the mill gate level declined 19 percent to P1,229 per 50-kg bag.
Wholesale and retail prices for raw, washed, and refined sugar also saw lower prices.