Global sugarcane industries face pricing and import challenges

Sugarcane producers and governments across several regions are navigating significant pricing disputes and regulatory shifts. In South Africa, the government is considering stricter import controls and quotas on deep-sea sugar to stabilize the domestic industry following an increase in import duties in August. Officials are also exploring legislative amendments to support diversification into the bioethanol and bioplastics sectors.

In India, tensions are rising between farmers and mill owners. In Uttar Pradesh, the government is considering a hike in the State Advised Price (SAP) for the 2026-27 crushing season, which has already commenced with nine mills operational. Farmers are demanding higher rates to offset rising production costs, while mill owners cite financial pressure from operating expenses. Similarly, in Karnataka, farmer bodies have threatened protests and sit-ins to demand a state-announced price and a higher central Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).

In Zimbabwe, new regulations have established a mandatory purchase price of US$72.40 per tonne for sugarcane supplied by private growers to millers. The regulations include strict payment timelines and penalties for non-compliance by company directors and managers.