Agency to hasten sugar exports

THE Sugar Regulatory Agency (SRA) is studying the possibility to hasten exports of sugar.

Some sugar planters and millers have suggested to SRA administrator Regina Bautista-Martin for the Philippines to ship sugar to the United States at a much earlier date than usual and tap the world export market to help relieve pressure in the domestic market.

To date, the Philippines has 40,952.80 metric tons on "A" or US Quota sugar and 55,853.24 metric tons of "D" or World Market sugar on stock and ready for export.

The sugar milling started last September 1 and more mills commenced operations early this crop year 2012-2013 compared to the previous crop year.

As of September 30, there are already nine mills in operation, a significant jump from the three mills that started during the same period in crop year 2011-12.

With more mills grinding cane, production in the initial weeks of the crop year was significantly high. In the first four weeks of milling in crop year 2012-2013, the Philippines has produced 73,528.03 metric tons, indicating an increase of 395 percent when compared to the 14,824.39 metric tons production in October 2011.

SRA explained the increase in production at this early stage is attributable to the early start of milling of sugar mills in Negros.

The early shipment of "A" and "D" sugar is a response to the growing volume of available sugar in the country.

According to the request of sugar producers, the country must take advantage of the available stocks on hand and work for their export to their destined market.

Last crop year, the Philippines exported more than 200,000 metric tons to the United States and about 326,000 metric tons to the World market. (PR)