Raw sugar output seen dropping to 25-year low

The country’s raw sugar production could fall below 1.8 million metric tons MT) in the new crop year, the lowest level in 25 years, after farms reeled from the effects of El Nino, resulting in stunted growth of sugarcanes.

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The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) estimates that raw sugar output in the current crop year 2024-2025 could decline by at least seven percent to 1.782 million MT from the previous crop year’s 1.922 million MT.

The projected raw sugar production in the current crop year, which began last Sept. 1, could be the lowest output level in more than two decades or since the 1.619 million MT recorded in crop year 1999-2000.

SRA administrator and CEO Pablo Luis Azcona confirmed the latest crop output estimates to The STAR yesterday, noting that the sole reason behind the foreseen production is the dryer and hotter weather conditions brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.