Venezuela sugar producers warn of impact from refined sugar imports

Sugar cane producers and agricultural service providers in Venezuela are expressing concern over the massive influx of imported refined sugar, warning it could jeopardize the upcoming 2026-2027 harvest.

In Portuguesa, representatives from Soca-Portuguesa and Asoseagro noted that the industry has made significant investments, including a fertilization program covering 26,000 hectares. They fear that imported sugar will displace domestic production and delay the harvest, which is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-October. Such a delay could impact the regional economy and affect over 1,000 direct workers.

Additionally, the Association of Sugar Cane Growers (Socaragua) reported that a shipment of 32,000 tons of refined white sugar from Brazil arrived at Puerto Cabello. Producers claim this imported sugar enters the market without paying tariffs and is already packaged in bags, allowing it to compete directly with local products. Industry leaders from Fesoca and Socaragua stated that domestic production currently meets 60% of national demand, with 100,000 tons of sugar already in storage, and expressed fears that importers will saturate shelves just as the new harvest cycle begins.