The Philippines is set to export 66,235 metric tons (MT) of sugar to the United States this April, according to Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, reported The Manila Times.
Azcona confirmed that the sugar is ready for shipment and will meet the deadline. Last year’s shipment nearly missed the September 30 cutoff, arriving on September 27, which resulted in discoloration, quality deterioration, and a 10-percent penalty.
To avoid a repeat of last year’s issues, this year’s export will be conducted during the milling season to ensure freshness.
Azcona also addressed the ongoing harvesting and milling operations in the Negros Island Region. While sugar producers in the south are nearing completion, those in the north are facing delays due to frequent rains. Harvesting may extend until May, he noted, adding that overall sugar production is currently 20 percent lower than last year due to the impact of El Niño. Additionally, the yield per ton of sugarcane is down by 11-12 percent.
However, Azcona expressed hope that sugar output will improve once harvesting in northern Negros concludes. He also reassured farmers that there would be no sugar importation order until May or June, as promised by the Department of Agriculture and the SRA.
