Philippines delays sugar importation until after May 2025 due to sufficient stocks
inquirer.net — November 11, 2024, 02:01 AM UTC
The Philippine government will postpone sugar importation until after May 2025. Officials determined that current sugar stocks are sufficient to meet demand, allowing time to assess domestic supply after the harvest season. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Sugar Regulatory Administration head Pablo Luis Azcona agreed on this delay due to a slower harvest caused by dry weather. Sugar production is expected to decline, with current output significantly lower than last year. Despite the reduced production, sugar prices in Metro Manila have decreased compared to last year. Refined sugar prices range from P74 to P90 per kilogram, down from P80 to P110.