{
  "id": 7966134,
  "title": "Sugar Mills Claim Crushing Could Be Delayed Unless Govt Allows More Exports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/sugar-mills-claim-crushing-could-be-delayed-unless-govt-allows-more",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-17T05:42:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/09/17/sugar-mills-claim-crushing-could-be-delayed-unless-govt-allows-more-exports/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has urged the government to permit the export of at least one million tonnes of sugar to avoid delays in the 2026-27 crushing season. Chairman Zaka Ashraf stated that this would help clear surplus sugar stocks, support the industry, and generate foreign exchange. Pakistan produced approximately 7.7 million tonnes of sugar during the 2025-26 season, with an additional 271,000 tonnes in carryover stocks, totaling nearly 8 million tonnes. Domestic consumption is estimated at around 560,000 tonnes per month, leaving an expected surplus of about 1.25 million tonnes by November 15. The PSMA contends that the current permitted exports of 108,000 tonnes of imported sugar and 200,000 tonnes of domestic sugar are insufficient. Ashraf emphasized that exporting surplus sugar would benefit the industry, the economy, and the government. The sugar industry is Pakistan’s second-largest agro-based sector after textiles and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Despite repeated government assurances, the industry remains heavily regulated, with only around 70% of sugar used by commercial and industrial consumers being deregulated. The PSMA called for full deregulation, including sugar prices, imports, and exports. They highlighted the industry's potential to produce up to 15 million tonnes annually and export approximately 8 million tonnes, generating over $4 billion in revenue. Potential export markets include Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, and China. The PSMA also noted the industry's use of bagasse for energy and the surplus electricity that could be supplied to other industrial users.",
  "summary": "The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has demanded immediate permission to export at least one million tonnes of sugar, warning that … Read More The post Sugar Mills Claim Crushing Could Be Delayed Unless Govt Allows More Exports appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}