Sugar Shortages in the USA

An article on ElSalvador.com reports that, "the USDA annual sugar imports program increased purchases to 1.41 million tons in 2011 as a result of reassigning almost 295,000 tons away from domestic growers". The decision comes after pressure from US food producers struggling with high sugar prices and importers asking for greater access.

Mexican growers are like to benefit most from the situation. Sales already reached a record high in the 2010-11 season with 1.3 million tons exported.

Source: elsalvador.com

More on this topic

Mexico Increases Sugar Imports

August 2011

Mexico needs to import another 150,000 tonnes of sugar in order to meet domestic consumption from October 2011, due to local crops having been seriously affected by drought.

The Mexican Ministry of Economy announced in a statement last week the government's intention "to open a new quota to ensure supply in the first three months of the cycle, which starts in October this year and ends in September 2012. "

Guatemala Analyzes Importing Sugar

March 2010

The Government is considering importing the product to address shortage problems.

Sugar shortage was first reported outside the capital city, but has now been observerd in it too. In several supermarkets and stores sugar is sold rationed.

"Walmart Central America announced they have stock, despite suppliers not sending enough product as usual", reported Elperiodico.com.gt.

Worldwide Sugar Shortage

March 2010

A ton of refined sugar could cost as much as $600 in the next months, while unrefined sugar could be priced up to $0.23 per pound.

ISO, the International Sugar Organization, expects a shortage of 9.4 million tons for the 2009/10 cycle. This drop in production, triggered by climate change, has caused instability in the market, and this situation won't be solved in the short term.

Guatemala Requests Authorization To Import Sugar

March 2010

The Economy Ministry made a formal request before Comieco, the Council of Central American Ministers.

Guatemala requires between 50 and 100 thousand metric tons over the next months to cover its domestic demand.

Newspaper El Periódico reports: “Comieco agreed to review the request and will consult with its member countries. … It requested data on Guatemala’s previous sugar imports”.