Regulator approves raw sugar exports of 100,000 metric tons to US

THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said it authorized the export of 100,000 metric tons (MT) of raw sugar to the US to fulfill the Philippines’ 2026 quota.

Sugar Order (SO) No. 3, which will take effect on Jan. 23, will allow the Philippines to fulfill its US raw sugar commitment for a third consecutive year. Sugar shipments under the quota typically fetch higher prices than those sold on the world market.

Participation in the export program is open to qualified traders. According to SO No. 2, priority for the export program goes to those who have purchased domestically  produced sugar.

Participants who comply with the terms of SO No. 3 will be given priority in future sugar import programs, at a 1:3 export-to-import ratio. The SRA, however, clarified that it currently has no import program for crop year 2025-2026.

Privileges granted under SO No. 3 may be transferred to another licensed international sugar trader in good standing, subject to approval by the SRA administrator.

The order follows the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) approval of the SRA’s proposal to export raw sugar to the US, citing the need to reduce excess domestic supply and support farmgate prices.

The DA said domestic sugar production rose by about 130,000 MT in the last crop year, resulting in higher inventory levels.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has cited the need to export as soon as possible to provide immediate relief to the sugar industry. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel