New Delhi: India is not considering any curbs on sugar exports at this stage, even as production for the current season is expected to fall short of domestic consumption for the second year running, two government sources said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
India, the world’s largest sugar exporter after Brazil, had earlier permitted mills to ship out 1.59 million metric tons in the current season, based on expectations that output would comfortably exceed demand. However, production for the season ending September 2026 is now unlikely to surpass 28 million tons, broadly in line with estimated annual consumption. The country entered the 2025-26 season with carryover stocks of approximately 5 million tons.
Despite the tighter supply outlook, the government believes stocks remain adequate and sees no cause to limit exports. “We have reviewed the situation closely and taken into account the latest production estimates, and concluded there is no need to restrict sugar exports at this stage,” one of the sources said, declining to be identified in line with official protocol. A government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
Of the 1.59 million tons cleared for export, around 530,000 to 540,000 tons have already been shipped and more than 800,000 tons contracted. However, the pace of fresh deal-making has slowed in recent weeks, weighed down by firmer domestic prices and logistical disruptions linked to the Iran conflict.
|
