Ingenio San Pedro to continue operations in Veracruz

The Ingenio San Pedro sugar mill in Lerdo de Tejada, Veracruz, will continue operations following a tripartite agreement between federal authorities, the Veracruz state government, and Grupo Porres. The decision follows an announcement in early August by the company's owners stating that continued operations were financially unsustainable.

Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García confirmed that negotiations resulted in three potential operational alternatives to ensure the next harvest (zafra) proceeds. While Grupo Porres is expected to maintain control for the time being, the specific administrative model and financial details are expected to be formalized next week. The intervention aims to protect approximately 500 direct jobs and the livelihoods of roughly 7,000 sugarcane producers and related local businesses.

To address market imbalances caused by sugar imports from Guatemala, the federal government has implemented measures including increased import tariffs and expanded exports to the United States. Federal President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has also provided support to ensure the stability of the regional economy and prevent similar closures in other mills.