{
  "id": 4590633,
  "title": "Sugar tariff benchmark rises to US$785, but industry says more is needed",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/sugar-tariff-benchmark-rises-to-us-785-but-industry-says-more-is",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-31T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/the-star/news/2026-08-31-sugar-tariff-benchmark-rises-to-us785-but-industry-says-more-is-needed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa has raised the reference price for sugar from US$680 to US$785 per tonne in an effort to protect local producers from cheaper imports, according to the South African Sugar Association (SASA). However, some industry leaders argue that the new benchmark may still be insufficient to curb the influx of imported sugar. The International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) reviewed applications from both SASA, which proposed US$905, and the Beverage Association of South Africa, which suggested a range between US$552 and US$650. ITAC concluded that neither proposal fully addressed the needs of local producers, the beverage industry, and consumers while respecting South Africa's World Trade Organization commitments. Despite the increased benchmark, SA Canegrowers, representing thousands of sugarcane growers, expressed concerns that the new price may not be enough to halt the surge in imports, which have increased from 1,619 tonnes in 2022 to 124,594 tonnes in the same period this year. Illovo Sugar South Africa, a major producer, stated that the US$785 benchmark is \"insufficient\" to safeguard the industry and warned that without more immediate relief, the sector could face significant losses, potentially impacting jobs and rural economies. Organized labor unions, such as the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), acknowledged the relief the increase brings but emphasized the need for additional support measures such as lower electricity costs and better logistics. ITAC plans to re-evaluate the DBRP benchmark in three years, though a review at another point could occur based on market and industry conditions.",
  "summary": "South Africa has raised its sugar import benchmark from US$680 to US$785 a tonne, offering relief to local producers, but growers and Illovo Sugar warn it may not be enough to curb imports and protect jobs.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "Sugar tariff benchmark rises to US$785, but industry says more is needed",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/sugar-tariff-benchmark-rises-to-us-785-but-industry-says-more-is",
        "published": "2026-08-30T16:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}