THE North American Association of Sweetener Consumers (YOURThe SUA (Sustainable Agricultural Association) has requested the government to increase sugar imports with lower tariffs, as domestic stocks have fallen below the level deemed appropriate by the State. In a statement sent to the White House last Friday (17), the industry coalition representing the interests of US food and beverage manufacturers that use sugar in their production suggested that the government fulfill the request by reassigning import quotas with reduced tariffs, known as TRQs, to countries capable of exporting sugar to the US. According to the SUA, in its latest monthly supply and demand report, the US Department of Agriculture pointed to a reduction of 145,900 short tons in sugar deliveries. In the group's view, it would be appropriate to reassign the TRQ quotas of ten countries that never or rarely fill them "because they no longer export or, in some cases, do not even produce sugar". The association's request goes against what US sugar producers are requesting: that Washington limit sugar imports. In a recent statement, the American Sugar Alliance, a group representing producers, argued that sugar imports above current quotas—that is, those subject to full tariffs—are excessive and are putting pressure on local prices.
This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.