Import of Raw Sugar to Continue Until the End of the Current Year

New Delhi. In anticipation of a decline in domestic production, the government has extended the deadline for the duty-free import of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar—under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)—by two months. This extension is intended to assist millers and refiners in completing the import of the full allocated quantity. Domestic industry stocks of sugar are currently limited.

It is worth noting that on August 20, the government issued a notification allowing millers and refiners to import 1 million tonnes of raw sugar duty-free until October 31.

At that time, ex-factory, spot (wholesale), and retail sugar prices had surged to all-time highs, prompting significant interest from millers and refiners in securing import quotas.

However, sugar prices subsequently declined, dampening the enthusiasm of importers. The government has now extended the deadline for duty-free sugar imports until December 31, 2026. The period for surrendering quotas has also been extended until November 15.