DA to tighten sugar import policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to tighten the country’s sugar import policy and enable a more competitive domestic industry.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the agency is revising its sugar policy to limit imports strictly to meet domestic demand, with the proposal set for industry consultation.

“In future importations, we will import just enough for what the country needs. Not more, not less,” Tiu Laurel said.

He said the approach is intended to support market stability while also providing the domestic industry space to be more competitive.

“Our fundamental policy remains clear. We want a Philippine sugar industry that is stronger, more productive, more competitive and more self-reliant,” he added.

Tiu Laurel said the government only allows sugar imports as a temporary supply gap to prevent excessive price volatility and protect consumers.

The country has maintained a ban on refined sugar imports until November.

However, the agency will allow the entry of foreign sugar by next year amid the projected decline in sugar output.

“Sugar importation is not the policy of this administration. It is a tool for price and market stabilization to be used when necessary and under clearly defined circumstances,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DA will also allocate P300 million under its 2027 budget to develop laboratories or incubation centers that can produce biological agents against the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI).

The laboratories will be placed in each municipality to anticipate any possible resurgence in RSSI infestation.

Tiu Laurel said that the sugar industry continues to face headwinds, including RSSI infestation, high production costs, rising input prices, labor shortages, limited access to technology and financing as well as climate change.

He added that the formation of the National RSSI task force would allow the government and industry stakeholders to jointly combat the pest infestation.

The task force includes members from the DA, Sugar Regulatory Administration, farmer organizations, millers and refiners.

The pest has infested major sugarcane planting areas in the country, feeding on the cane’s fluids, thereby reducing its sugar content by up to 50 percent.