SRA, DA: No sugar imports this milling season

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr., Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Paul Azcona, and SRA board member and farmers’ representative Dave Sanson have assured sugar industry stakeholders that no sugar importation will be implemented for the current milling season, which runs until May or June 2026.

The statement came after the first sugar bidding held in Negros on Oct. 9, where raw sugar prices dropped amid hesitation from traders.

According to initial discussions, the weak bidding turnout was due to conflicting statements from some sugarcane farmer groups, which created uncertainty in the market and prompted major traders to hold off on purchases.

In a bid to restore market confidence, Tiu-Laurel, Azcona and Sanson jointly clarified that the government has no plans for an importation program for Crop Year 2025–2026, unless significant milling has been completed and production figures are clear.

“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,” said Secretary Tiu-Laurel and Administrator Azcona in a joint statement.

During the meeting, it was also agreed that a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar will be maintained at all times to ensure market stability, and any future imports, if deemed necessary, will be classified strictly as reserve (C) sugar and will not enter the local market directly.

Farmers’ representative Dave Sanson lauded the decision, saying it reflects the administration’s commitment to protecting the welfare of sugar producers.

“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.

Since 2022, the sugar industry has seen a steady expansion in planted areas, increasing from 380,000 hectares to 409,000 hectares this year, and under the leadership of Tiu-Laurel and Azcona, farmgate prices have remained stable, encouraging more farmers to plant sugarcane, while retail prices have stayed consistent, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.