South Africa considers further sugar import restrictions
Rising imports, production disruptions and competing demands from growers and beverage manufacturers are shaping the government’s response to pressure on the domestic sugar industry.
SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is considering further restrictions on sugar imports as the government seeks to stabilise the domestic sugar industry following an increase in the import duty from R4.83 (US$0.29) to R6.97 (US$0.42) per kilogram in August 2026.
Although the higher tariff is already in effect, authorities have yet to confirm the nature or timing of additional import controls.
South Africa imported 94,984 tonnes of sugar between January and May 2026, up from 55,213 tonnes during the same period last year, according to South African Revenue Service figures.
The South African Sugar Association (SASA) estimates that competition from imported sugar cost the domestic industry R1.6 billion during the 2025/26 season.
During the tariff review, industry stakeholders presented contrasting proposals. SASA urged the International Trade Administration Commission to raise the reference price used to calculate import duties from US$680 to US$905 per tonne.
The Beverage Association of South Africa, however, called for a reduction. The government ultimately set the reference price at US$785 per tonne, increasing protection for domestic mills while raising the cost of imported sugar for manufacturers.
The tariff increase coincided with production disruptions at domestic mills. A strike halted cane crushing for several weeks during the peak season, prompting the US Department of Agriculture’s Pretoria office to lower its estimate of South Africa’s sugar production.
The office also reduced its import forecast following the higher duty. Food and beverage manufacturers therefore face changes in both the cost of imported sugar and the availability of supplies from local mills.
Beyond import controls, the government is considering alternative uses for sugarcane to support the industry’s longer-term development.
Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi identified fuel-blending ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics and electricity generation as potential opportunities for diversifying sugarcane use.
These options remain under consideration as the government explores ways to strengthen the sector.
In the near term, sugar growers continue to face concerns over domestic mill capacity and competition from imports. The government has yet to announce whether further restrictions will be introduced or how they would affect sugar imports and industrial users.
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