DA, SRA mull extending sugar importation ban until December 2026

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) on Friday said the moratorium on sugar importation, which would expire by the first half of 2026 or by the end of harvest season, could be further extended in an effort to prioritize locally produced sugar amid strong domestic raw sugar production.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the policy, first announced on October 15, “could be extended through the end of milling or even December, depending on actual stock levels, following last year’s improved raw sugar output.”

In October, the DA said that no sugar importation would be implemented until the end of of the first half of 2026 to address concerns of the local sugar industry.

“I have instructed SRA Administrator Pablo Azcona to closely monitor local sugar refinery production and provide regular updates, so we maintain an accurate picture of our standard and premium grade refined stocks,” said Tiu Laurel.

The DA and SRA are also preparing a regulatory framework governing molasses imports to further protect local producers.

Under the proposed rules, molasses users in the country will be required to buy and withdraw local molasses first.

Only after meeting those requirements — and based on a predetermined ratio — will imports be allowed, subject to SRA approval.

“This ensures local supply is prioritized before any imports are considered,” said Azcona.

To stabilize prices and support farmers, the DA and SRA will roll out a government buying program for raw sugar, with purchases held as buffer stock for up to 90 days.

Tiu Laurel said the decision followed months of consultations with industry leaders that failed to produce a consensus, even as farmgate prices continued to fall.

“We can no longer afford to sacrifice our farmers,” the Agriculture chief said.

“We’ve seen over the past two years that when a buying program is implemented, prices recover. SRA has long been ready, so we are moving forward,” Tiu Laurel said.

Under the plan, the SRA will purchase up to 400,000 metric tons of raw sugar to be held as reserve stock for 90 days, which would also support the allocation of a 100,000-metric-ton raw sugar export quota to the United States.

“Because farmer output has grown substantially, we decided to export 100,000 tons of raw sugar to the US,” said Azcona. — BAP, GMA Integrated News