Philippines extends ban on sugar import

The move aims to continue protecting farmers and domestic producers, as well as stabilizing the market.

It is based on the current outlook for sugar production and demand, said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, as quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The ban was originally imposed from mid-October 2025 until mid-2026. The extension is necessary as domestic raw sugar output for the 2024–2025 crop year is expected to increase, based on actual inventory data.

The Department of Agriculture and the Sugar Regulatory Administration are also preparing a long-delayed regulatory framework governing molasses imports, a move Tiu Laurel said will further protect domestic producers.