DA, SRA extend sugar import ban up to December 2026

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) are extending the ban on sugar importation until December 2026.

This extension aims to protect domestic producers and prioritize the consumption of locally produced sugar, which is expected to have a strong output.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that a longer import moratorium than initially suggested is necessary based on the current outlook for sugar production and demand.

Sugar imports were halted in October to encourage traders to purchase domestic sugar and prop up prices.

The DA will also step up monitoring of refinery operations to maintain accurate data on standard and premium-grade refined sugar inventories to prevent supply distortions and speculative pricing.

The DA and SRA are also finalizing regulations for molasses imports, requiring molasses users to purchase domestic supply first before applying to import.