Sugar Industry Experts Did Not Expect Govt Import Directive

The sugar industry did not expect President Marcos Jr’s directive to import sugar.

According to sugar industry experts, in order to control the prices, importation should be course through an order from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board as opposed to the lower tariff rates of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV).

The importation of over 64,050 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar via the MAV has yet to be discussed at the SRA board with the respective stakeholders.

“The SRA board has a scheduled meeting within this month. We’re just waiting for updates on everyone’s availability. For sure, that will be discussed,” mentioned Mitzi Mangwag, SRA board members’ representative.

“If they really want to import, then it should be through the SRA because SRA has the data and inventory for planning. The SRA plans out, calendars when sugar imports should come in,”

The importing directive comes at the time of increased sugar prices of over ₱90 to ₱180 per kilo.

Mangwang mentions that the SRA is not part of the discussion of the MAV mechanism for importation.

“MAV is a DA program. It’s not an SRA program,” she mentions and adds that  “if it is really needed, the SRA is ready to support whatever plans if it’s for the common good.”

For Mangwang, the local sugar industry did not expect the MAV sugar importation due to the bountiful sugary supply last milling season.

“We were not even discussing it… because we have positive inventory in raw and refined sugar. There are even imported refined sugar that have yet to be withdrawn in warehouses, so we really have ample stocks,”  mentioned Mangwang.

Source: Philstar