Phl may import 200k MT of sugar next year

The Philippines may import 200,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar next year as the government projects less need to import amid ample stocks.

- DANESSA RIVERA

During his confirmation hearing by the Commission on Appointments yesterday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the 200,000-MT volume is the assessment of the sugar industry with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The volume, however, is still subject to change "assuming there are no adverse weather conditions we face," he said.

"Based on estimates with the SRA, which we've been meeting for the last two weeks, we feel that next year, we won't need to import too much sugar. Because this year, we saw increased importation of sugar and we still have plenty of sugar stocks in the market," Laurel said.