Says ‘Reforming the U.S. Sugar Program Is the Long-term Answer’ to Supply Shock
Washington, D.C. (February 27, 2020) – The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) today issued the following statement in support of a recent Senate letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting further action on the refined sugar shortage American food and beverage manufacturers continue to endure:
SUA applauds the leadership of Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and the 6 cosigners on this letter for defending U.S. food and beverage manufacturers and the consumers who enjoy their products. While we are grateful that the USDA increased the amount of permitted sugar imports by 100,000 short tons in November 2019, the challenges that small American producers face will continue if further action is not taken to ensure an adequate sugar supply.
A larger boost in refined sugar supplies is in order, given the extreme weather conditions U.S. and Mexican sugar growers confronted during the 2019 harvest. This supply shock, combined with America’s convoluted sugar policy, threatens to cause a severe spike in domestic sugar prices.
While the USDA should immediately allow additional sugar imports to meet existing demand, reforming the U.S. sugar program, which the Fair Sugar Policy Act (S.2568, H.R.4521) would do, is the long-term answer.
America’s food and beverage manufacturers applaud Senators Toomey, Shaheen and their colleagues for urging the USDA to take swift action and call on all members of the U.S. House and Senate to get behind the Fair Sugar Policy Act.
Media Contact:
Frances Cox
(202) 822-9491
fcox@fratelli.com
