THE SUGAR REGULATORY ADMINISTRATION said its production estimate for crop year 2018-2019 is 2.225 million metric tons (MMT), which would represent a reduction in output from the 2.38 MMT expected from the preceding crop year.
It also plans to allocate 5% of output for export to the United States.
The SRA’s allocation policy comes into force on Sept. 1 and will remain valid until Aug. 31, 2019.
It declared its intention to pursue a policy that will ensure the “economic viability” of those engaged in the sugar industry.
In early August, the Department of Trade and Industry proposed a 35% tariff on sugar imports to help stabilize the price of the commodity.
The SRA approved the importation of 200,000 MT of sugar earlier this year to help meet demand. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio
