THE Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that there are no plans to import sugar until June 2026 in response to the low prices of locally produced sugar.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., SRA Administrator Paul Azcona, and SRA Board Member Dave Sanson, there have been no discussions regarding importation for Crop Year 2025–2026 until the milling season ends between May and June 2026.
“Let us be clear—there is, and never was, any talk of an importation program until we finish significant milling and have firm production figures,” said Tiu Laurel.
The DA added that speculation about importation has caused uncertainty among traders. To maintain market stability, a two-month buffer stock of refined sugar will be maintained.
Sanson said this proves that the government is prioritizing the welfare of farmers and will help stabilize sugar prices. Since 2022, sugarcane plantations have expanded from 380,000 hectares to 409,000, while prices at the farmgate and retail levels remain stable.
