MANILA, Oct 15 — The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured that there will be no sugar importation into the country until the first half of 2026 to help protect local sugarcane farmers, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
The DA made the statement today to ensure reasonable buying prices for raw sugar, following reports of low levels during the first sugar bidding in Negros on Thursday (October 9).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr said importation plans, if any, will strictly cover reserve sugar.
“Let us be clear: there is, and never was, any talk of an importation programme 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,” he said.
Francisco also assured that imported sugar will not directly enter the domestic market to protect the local sugarcane industry.
Aside from the DA, the Sugar Regulatory Administration noted that import plans will not proceed until the end of the ongoing milling season. The milling season is expected to be completed between May and June next year.
“This move assures our farmers that the current administration prioritises their welfare. It is a welcome development, and we hope this stabilises prices now that speculation has been addressed,” Farmers’ Representative Dave Sanson said.
To date, the country has recorded continuous expansion of sugarcane areas, which now total 409,000 hectares, up from 380,000 hectares in 2022.
