DA mulls higher tariffs for imported artificial sugar

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking into the possibility of imposing higher tariffs on imported artificial sugar in a bid to support demand for locally produced sugar.

The plan was in line with the government’s move to extend the ban on sugar importation until December 2026. 

This was disclosed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. at the sidelines of the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) induction of officers on Monday evening in Makati City.

The Agriculture chief said he spoke with Finance Secretary Frederick Go about the plan.

“I discussed with him [Go]… asked what he can say about increasing tariffs on artificial sugar. He said that it looks okay with them,” Tiu Laurel said.

“So we're going to formulate and calculate what would be the right amount of tariff we can increase,” he added.

The Agriculture chief explained that the plan was being considered after artificial sugar imports rose in 2025.

“In terms of its equivalent with sugar, artificial sugar saw an increase by 200,000 tons… because it is not regulated,” he said.

The Agriculture chief said the planned increase on artificial sugar tariff rate, currently at 5%, would not be “too high.”

In December 2025, Tiu Laurel announced the extension of the sugar importation moratorium until the end of 2026 in a bid to prioritize locally produced sugar and stabilize the market amid the stronger domestic raw sugar output.

Tiu Laurel also said the DA is finalizing the 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. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News