Dear Under Secretaries Bonnie and Taylor:
Members of the Sweetener Users Association (SUA) appreciate the recent increase in the raw sugar tariff-rate quota (TRQ) of 125,000 metric tons, raw value (MTRV). We commend USDA for recognizing that by all reasonable metrics, the domestic market remains inadequately supplied. The TRQ increase is a positive step toward supply adequacy, and we thank the Department for its efforts in this regard.
We respectfully request that you and your colleagues work with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to allocate the TRQ increase as expeditiously as possible. As you know, sales cannot be consummated and shipments undertaken until the allocations are formalized.
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