PH sugar import ban extended until Dec. 2026 —DA

The ban on sugar importation will remain in place until December 2026 to extend protection for local producers even after the crop year ends in September, the Department of Agriculture (DA) clarified Monday.

According to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the policy is aimed at prioritizing locally produced sugar and stabilizing the market, given the stronger domestic raw sugar output.

“Based on the current outlook for sugar production and demand, a longer import moratorium than initially suggested is necessary,” he said.

Last week, Tiu Laurel said the moratorium on sugar importation — which would expire by the first half of 2026 — could be extended in a bid to prioritize locally produced sugar amid strong domestic production.

The DA in October said no sugar importation will be implemented until the end of the first half of 2026 to address concerns of the local sugar industry.

Tiu Laurel, who also chairs the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s (SRA) policymaking body Sugar Board, said the agency will boost monitoring of refinery operations to keep an accurate picture of standard and premium-grade sugar inventories.

Aside from the import ban, the DA said it — along with the SRA — is finalizing a long-delayed regulatory framework regarding molasses imports. Proposals include requiring molasses users to purchase and withdraw locally produced molasses, and imports will only be allowed once those obligations are met. —AOL, GMA Integrated News