Sugar Mills Demand Export of 585,000 Tons Surplus Sugar

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has specifically demanded the immediate export of 585,000 metric tons of surplus sugar from the previous crushing season. This demand was conveyed in letters sent to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Federal Minister for National Food Security.

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has formally requested Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain to allow the export of surplus sugar. As of July 15, 2026, the country holds 3.4 million metric tons of sugar stocks, with an average monthly consumption of 567,426 metric tons. This projects a surplus of 1.158 million metric tons by the start of the new crushing season on November 15. A bumper sugarcane crop is anticipated for the upcoming season, expected to yield 8 million metric tons of sugar, far exceeding domestic requirements. The PSMA expressed concern for sugarcane farmers, noting that mills are unable to purchase new cane or offer better rates until the existing surplus is exported, which could lead to a decline in future cultivation and necessitate imports. The industry also faces challenges from current sugar prices being below production costs and a severe shortage of funds for bank loan repayments due to unsold stocks.