USDA Action Will Support U.S. Food and Beverage Manufacturers That Need More Sugar Due to Domestic Supply Concerns
Washington, D.C. (September 9, 2020) – The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) today issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for raising the raw sugar tariff-rate quota (TRQ) 90,718 metric tons and extending the entry period for the FY 2020 TRQ through October to meet U.S. domestic demand for sugar:
SUA applauds the USDA for taking action now to provide additional raw sugar for the U.S. market in order to adequately supply domestic demand. We are grateful to USDA for exercising its authority, as needed, to maintain a balanced U.S. sugar policy for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The overly restrictive federal sugar program that Congress designed to keep sugar supplies tight and domestic prices high has made U.S. food and beverage companies reliant on the executive branch to take the necessary steps to ensure that enough sugar is available throughout each marketing year. In fact, U.S. sugar prices are often double world prices — a cost that typically gets unfairly passed on to consumers.
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 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
