By Xander Ledesma
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) denied allegations from several sugar producer groups that an oversupply of sugar is causing a decline in millgate prices.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona issued a statement on Monday rejecting claims made by the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc., and Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Inc. These groups, alongside the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry, alleged that the government’s delay in sugar imports was an effort to stabilize prices.
Azcona clarified that the government’s decision not to import sugar until after the harvest season was purely a measure to ensure transparency and keep stakeholders informed. “There was no other intention for that announcement, other than to stand by our mandate,” he said.
On November 10, Azcona and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. jointly declared that the Philippines would delay sugar imports until mid-2025 due to stable stock levels of both raw and refined sugar.
According to Azcona, the sugar producer groups would have been aware of this plan had they attended the stakeholder meetings held by the DA and SRA. He criticized the groups for disseminating misleading information through the media instead of addressing concerns directly with the SRA.
Azcona also addressed accusations that the delay in importation was a strategy to curb sugar prices. He emphasized that the SRA does not intervene in the marketing or pricing of sugar, a fact known to all stakeholders in the industry.
“All of the SRA and DA’s plans are discussed in stakeholder meetings,” Azcona said, noting that the last meeting was held on August 6, 2024. He also pointed out that the Sugar Council had skipped the meeting.
Regarding claims of sugar oversupply, Azcona stated that current sugar production levels are significantly lower than last year. “As of November 10, 2024, our sugar production is down by 61 percent. The stocks of raw and refined sugar are at proper levels, maintaining the needed buffers,” he explained, adding that current stocks are 35 to 37 percent below the previous year’s levels.