Local sugar production seen dropping by 10-15% —SRA

The country’s local sugar production is expected to decline by double digits in the next crop year due to the threat of El Niño phenomenon, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

In its Sugar Order No. 1, series of 2023-2024, released on September 11, the SRA said that “the total raw sugar production for Crop Year 2023-2024 is estimated at 1.85 million metric tons.”

The projected output, however, has “an estimated drop in production of 10% to 15% depending on the severity of the anticipated El Niño phenomenon…”

With the expected decline in sugar production, the SRA designated 100% of output as “B” for domestic market.

The SRA said it is mandated to institute measures and ensure the stability of domestic sugar supply.

The agency said that it has the power to establish and maintain a balanced relationship between sugar production and the requirements of sugar, and to maintain such marketing conditions as it will ensure stabilized prices at levels reasonably profitable to the producers and fair to consumers.

The Philippines’ sugar crop year 2023 begins on September 1, 2023 and ends on August 31, 2024.

The SRA said it will undertake periodic assessment of the 2023-2024 crop year’s production to deem if it should adjust the percentage allocation in accordance with its power and function to establish domestic, export, and reserve allocation.—Ted Cordero/AOL, GMA Integrated News