December 22, 2025Dec 22 Photo courtesy of PhilStar The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has decided to maintain its sugar import ban until December 2026, extending it beyond the original September deadline when the crop year ends. This decision aims to protect local sugar producers and stabilize the market amid improving domestic supply conditions. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that a longer import moratorium is necessary based on current production and demand forecasts. This move follows a significant increase in local sugar production, which reached 2.015 million metric tons by June 2025, surpassing the previous year's 1.922 million metric tons. Additionally, sugarcane cultivation expanded from 380,000 to 409,000 hectares since 2022. The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), chaired by Tiu Laurel, will closely monitor refinery operations to prevent supply distortions and speculative pricing. In October 2025, Agriculture Secretary Laurel and SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona clarified that there were no plans for an importation program for the 2025-2026 crop year until thorough assessments of milling and production figures were completed. They assured that any imports would be classified as reserve sugar. The DA and SRA are also finalizing regulations for molasses imports, aiming to protect domestic producers. The proposed rules require molasses users to purchase local molasses before any imports are allowed, adhering to a predetermined ratio and SRA approval, reported PhilStar. Key Takeaways The sugar import ban in the Philippines is extended until December 2026 to support local producers. Domestic sugar production increased to 2.015 million metric tons as of June 2025. New regulatory framework for molasses imports to further protect local industry. Related Stories Thailand's Sugar Tax Spurs Sweeter Beverage Reformulations Palm Sugar : Thailand’s More Delicious Alternative to Refined Sugar Adapted by ASEAN Now from PhilStar 2025-12-22
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