Wednesday, December 4, 2024
HomeSugar Industry NewsEXCLUSIVE India to restrict sugar exports, cap of 8 mln tonnes one...

EXCLUSIVE India to restrict sugar exports, cap of 8 mln tonnes one option -sources

  • India could cap sugar exports at 8 mln T for 2021/22
  • Mills have so far signed contracts to export 7 mln T
  • Govt wants to ensure ample supply during festive season
  • Shares in sugar companies slide

MUMBAI, March 25 (Reuters) – India plans to restrict sugar exports for the first time in six years to prevent a surge in domestic prices and could cap this season’s exports at 8 million tonnes, government and industry sources told Reuters.

An announcement could come early next month, they said.

Shares in sugar manufacturers slid on the news, with Dhampur Sugar Mills (DAMS.NS) and Balrampur Chini (BACH.NS) each tumbling 5% and Dwarikesh Sugar (DWAR.NS) losing 6%.

“Sugar output is going to be a record high, but stocks are depleting fast because of exports. Uncontrolled exports could create scarcity and local prices could spike during festive season,” said a senior government official with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified.

Two of three sources said the government has planned a cap of 8 million while one official said the government is also exploring the option of a levy on exports to discourage overseas sales.

India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A cap of 8 million tonnes for the marketing year to end-September could result in a de facto ban for exports from May as dealers say mills have already contracted to export 7 million tonnes so far.

Based on March deals for around 1 million tonnes of exports, they estimate mills could sign contracts for another 1 million tonnes in April after global white sugar prices , jumped to a 5-year high on Thursday.

Lower output in top producer Brazil and firm oil prices which encourage mills to produce more sugarcane-based ethanol have spurred global price gains. Export curbs by India, the world’s No. 2 sugar exporter, would likely further lift prices.

Earlier projections estimated domestic sugar stocks as of Oct. 1 could fall to a five-year low of 6.8 million tonnes due to record exports, but those forecasts now look optimistic after the rise in global sugar prices.

“New Delhi is keen to start the new season with opening stock of 6 to 7 million tonnes, which is enough to fulfill December quarter demand,” an industry official said.

Demand usually jumps during the December quarter due to weddings and festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra.

Any sugar exports curbs would the first since India imposed a 20% tax in 2016 and would represent an about-face for a government which until last year was providing subsidies for mills that were struggling to make cane payments to farmers due to record stockpiles.

But bumper exports of more than 14 million tonnes over two years now mean that New Delhi’s priorities have switched to producing enough sugar to meet local demand.

“Government policy is clear. Produce enough sugar to fulfill local demand and make as much ethanol as possible from remaining surplus sugar cane. Don’t rely on exports as global prices are volatile,” said a policymaker who declined to be identified.

The government is also naturally concerned about food inflation as prices of essential commodities such as edible oils and grains are rising in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

In the past, the government was embarrassed to import sugar at higher prices after exporting record quantities, the dealer said but added he didn’t think the government would be reticent about imports now if it really needed to.

Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani, Lincoln Feast and Edwina Gibbs; Published: Thomson Reuters

The above news was originally posted on www.reuters.com

Sugar Times Team
Sugar Times Teamhttps://www.sugartimes.co.in
The Sugar Times Editorial Team is a group of experienced journalists, analysts, and industry experts dedicated to providing in-depth coverage and insights on the global sugar industry. With years of experience in agriculture, trade, sustainability, and market trends, the team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every article they produce.Focused on delivering accurate, timely, and relevant news, the Sugar Times Editorial Team aims to keep industry professionals, stakeholders, and enthusiasts informed on key developments in sugar production, trade policies, innovations, and sustainable practices. Their collective goal is to help readers navigate the complexities of the sugar sector and stay ahead of emerging trends shaping the future of the industry.You may submit your article on info@sugartimes.co.in if you have valuable contributions for the industry readers.
RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -spot_img

Most Popular

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com