SA Canegrowers warns of industry threat as sugar imports surge fourfold in 2025
The South African Canegrowers Association raises alarm over a steep rise in sugar imports, warning of major losses to local producers.
SOUTH AFRICA – The South African Canegrowers Association (SA Canegrowers) has expressed growing concern over a sharp rise in sugar imports since the beginning of 2025, warning that the surge is severely affecting local producers.
According to the association, sugar imports reached 149,099 tons between January and August 2025, compared to 35,730 tons during the same period last year, representing a more than fourfold increase. The imported sugar reportedly originates mainly from Brazil, the world’s largest sugar producer and exporter.
The influx of low-cost imports has led to a decline of 100,000 tons in domestic sugar sales within the first eight months of the year, posing a threat to the entire value chain.
The association estimates that for every ton of imported sugar sold locally, the industry loses R7,600 (US$442.86), translating to losses exceeding R760 million (US$44.29M) so far in 2025.
Although South Africa has a tariff mechanism that allows duties on imported sugar when prices drop below a certain threshold, SA Canegrowers argues that it is insufficient to protect local producers.
The association stated that subsidised sugar exports from countries such as Brazil and India distort market prices and disadvantage domestic producers.
“Opportunistic importers bring in cheap sugar and sell it at the same price as locally produced sugar, pocketing huge profits with no consumer benefit,” the group warned.
To support the consumption of locally made sugar, the association recently launched its “Home Sweet Home” campaign to promote awareness among South African consumers.
In addition to calling for stronger import protection, SA Canegrowers has urged the government to abolish the sugar tax implemented in April 2018, claiming it has contributed to job losses.
The warning coincides with the fifth anniversary of the South African Sugar Value Chain Master Plan (2020–2030), as the R25 billion (US$1.4 billion) industry continues to face challenges that hinder growth and investment in diversification initiatives such as biofuels.
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