Raw sugar imports threaten local industry, Bukidnon planters warn

QUEZON, BUKIDNON, Philippines — Importing raw sugar to stabilize domestic market prices risks collapsing local production and depressing farm-gate prices nationwide, an industry leader here warned.

Pablo Lorenzo III, president and chair emeritus of the Associated Bukidnon Sugarcane Farmers Inc. and Associated Bukidnon Sugarcane Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ABSFI-ABSMPC), strongly cautioned the government against raw sugar importation, urging it instead to focus on boosting domestic productivity, improving farm efficiency and defending local growers instead of relying on imports.

He issued the warning as the ban on sugar importation imposed by the Department of Agriculture is set to end in December.

Speaking before the 24th joint Annual General Membership Meeting of ABSFI-ABSMPC attended by thousands of sugarcane planters on Sunday, Lorenzo emphasized that domestic demand is primarily met by refined sugar.

READ: Solon: Sugar sector lost P7B, more seen if overimportations go unchecked

Consequently, bringing in raw stock bypasses domestic refineries and directly undercuts local growers, he said.

“The local market cannot absorb imported raw sugar because domestic demand is primarily met by refined sugar,” Lorenzo said.

He added: “Bringing in raw stock bypasses local refineries, ultimately undermining the refining sector and depressing local sugarcane values.”

National sugar production for the 2026-2027 crop year is projected to drop to roughly 1.66 million metric tons (MT) or 32 million bags—down from historical peaks of 1.8 million MT—against a national consumption of about 1.2 million MT.

Lorenzo attributed the drop to severe weather disruptions, soaring fertilizer costs and pest infestations.

Low production

Albert Tutor, planters coordinator and data analyst of Crystal Sugar Co. Inc. (CSCI) based in Maramag, Bukidnon, also said the local industry here suffered a production shortage due to El Niño, red-striped soft-scale insect or RSSI infestations, rising fuel costs, land conversion and crop shifting.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified in August that sugar importation is not a standing policy, but merely a temporary market-stabilization tool, assuring that future importations would strictly cover local supply deficits.

To mitigate climate and yield pressures, Bukidnon’s major millers—CSCI and Busco Sugar Milling Co. in Quezon—are opening the 2026–2027 milling season ahead of schedule compared to last year’s Nov. 24 start.

Container distribution begins Oct. 26, cane acceptance on Nov. 7, and official milling on Nov. 9. ./cb