Government to Make Decision on Sugar Exports Following Consultations

Islamabad: The Sugar Advisory Board convened on Wednesday and determined that the decision regarding sugar exports will be made following consultations with various governmental bodies.

Chaired by Federal Minister of Industry and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, the meeting aimed to capitalize on international market conditions by reaching a consensus on export strategies in the upcoming days.

Attended by Federal Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Secretary National Food Security, provincial representatives, Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), sugarcane farmers, and other federal departments, the meeting focused on assessing sugar stock levels during the Kharif season nationwide. Provinces provided details indicating a total national sugar production of 6.8 million tons this year, with a surplus of 1.5 million tons compared to the annual domestic demand of 6 million tons.

PSMA advocated for the swift export of surplus sugar before potential drops in international market rates render exports economically unviable. However, Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized the need for uninterrupted sugar supply and price stability until the next crushing season, prioritizing the interests of consumers, cane growers, and the sugar industry.

Expressing concerns over potential price hikes in the local market post-export permission, Hussain affirmed that the final decision would be made after consultations with pertinent government entities.