Panel Discusses Implementation of Recent Sugar Program Reforms, Outlines Solutions to Benefit All Stakeholders

Washington, D.C. (February 24, 2026) — The International Sweetener Colloquium, co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association (SUA) and the International Dairy Foods Association, continued today with a panel discussion focused on how federal agencies can best administer the U.S. sugar program to benefit all stakeholders following recent reforms.

In July 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made several updates to the U.S. sugar program to improve program administration and increase sugar supplies. As market conditions continue to evolve, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Trade Representative face challenges implementing the program in a way that meets the needs of producers, consumers and food companies alike.

“Agencies play an important role in implementing recent reforms and making the U.S. sugar program more market oriented,” said Randy Green, a principal at Watson Green LLC and a participant in today’s panel. “Future policies should both support domestic industry and ensure adequate sugar supplies for users.”

Panelists pointed to specific administrative actions that remain unfinished and could strengthen program implementation. In 2023, the Government Accountability Office recommended that USDA reevaluate its method for restricting sugar imports, noting that current tariff restrictions are applied using a methodology based on 40-year-old data that does not reflect current market conditions. USDA concurred with this recommendation but has not yet acted.

Similarly, the OBBBA authorized rulemaking to help ensure that refined sugar entering the country does not require further processing, thereby increasing the quantity of refined sugar available to manufacturers for immediate use. SUA submitted comments in response to a USDA Request for Information, detailing seven recommendations for ensuring refined sugar imports are actually refined.

SUA continues to advocate for smart, targeted regulatory updates to ensure the U.S. sugar program works for all stakeholders.

Media Contact:
Anna Miller
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