DA to tighten sugar import policy
The Department of Agriculture is looking to tighten the country’s sugar import policy and enable a more competitive domestic industry.
Manila, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture is set to tighten its sugar import policy to bolster the domestic industry, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced. The proposal aims to import just enough sugar to meet domestic demand, preventing excessive price volatility and ensuring market stability. Laurel clarified that the policy remains focused on strengthening the Philippine sugar industry, making it more productive, competitive, and self-reliant.
The government currently bans refined sugar imports until November, but will allow the entry of foreign sugar the following year due to a projected decline in sugar output. This move is intended to be a temporary measure for supply gaps to avoid extreme price fluctuations and protect consumers.
In addition, the DA will allocate P300 million in its 2027 budget to establish laboratories in each municipality for producing biological agents against the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI). These labs will help anticipate and combat any potential resurgence in RSSI infestation. Laurel emphasized that the sugar industry faces numerous challenges, including RSSI infestation, high production costs, rising input prices, labor shortages, limited access to technology and financing, and the impacts of climate change.
To address this, the National RSSI task force, comprising members from the DA, Sugar Regulatory Administration, farmer organizations, millers, and refiners, will work together to combat the pest infestation.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
