India’s Sugar Import Plan Faces Setback Over Falling Domestic Rates

Port‑based refineries have so far pledged to bring in roughly 2.60 lakh tonnes of raw sugar. However, only a few thousand tonnes have actually arrived at Indian ports. With domestic ex‑mill sugar now cheaper than the imported counterpart, many refiners are reconsidering further purchases. Industry insiders say that unless local rates recover, the broader target of importing 10 lakh tonnes could be jeopardised.

The Ministry of Commerce recently met with major sugar importers, urging them to honour their import commitments. The meeting coincided with an extension of the deadline for applications under the Advance Authorisation Scheme and a one‑time Tariff Rate Quota that allows eligible refiners to sell a part of their processed sugar domestically.