MANILA, Philippines – The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has approved the importation of 424,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar under Sugar Order No. 8, marking the first sugar importation authorized for the 2024-2025 cropping year.

In a statement on Wednesday, the SRA said the move aims to ensure a stable domestic supply and maintain sufficient buffer stock levels for refined sugar.

As of June 22, the country’s refined sugar supply stood at 1.12 million MT, according to the agency.

The importation program will be open to licensed SRA international sugar traders in good standing. This includes traders who have either participated in the voluntary purchase of local sugar from farmers or exported sugar to the United States.

The arrival of imported sugar will be permitted from July 15 to November 30.

The SRA warned that any importation conducted by ineligible traders or those without approved allocations may be considered smuggling and will be subject to prosecution under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.