The country’s raw sugar production is expected to drop below 1.8 million metric tonnes (MT) in the new crop year, potentially marking the lowest level in 25 years. This decline is attributed to the effects of El Niño, which has led to stunted growth of sugarcane, reported Phil Star Global.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) projects that raw sugar output for the 2024-2025 crop year could fall by at least seven percent, from 1.922 million MT in the previous crop year to 1.782 million MT.
The projected raw sugar production for the current crop year could be the lowest 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 revised crop output estimates to The STAR yesterday, attributing the decrease to the drier and hotter weather conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
Currently, some sugarcanes are still immature, prompting industry stakeholders to request a two-week delay in the milling season to allow the plants more time to mature and increase sugar content.
The sugar milling season, initially set to start on September 15, may be postponed to the end of the month, as suggested by major sugar millers and industry representatives.
Given the projected reduced output, the SRA board is expected to approve an all-“B” allocation, meaning all raw sugar produced until August 31 of the following year will be allocated exclusively for domestic consumption.
