# Venezuelan sugar industry import disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-sugar-industry-import-disputes > Updated: 2026-08-22T22:42:18.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Sugar cane producers in Venezuela are calling for a suspension of refined sugar imports to protect the domestic market and upcoming harvests. Growers report that existing inventories, including 110,000 tons of cane from the 2025-2026 harvest, make new imports unnecessary. Industry representatives, including members of Socaragua and Fesoca, claim that imported sugar enters the market without paying necessary tariffs or taxes, creating unfair competition. Specifically, producers noted the arrival of a 32,000-ton shipment of refined white sugar from Brazil at Puerto Cabello. There are growing concerns that the influx of imported goods will jeopardize the 2026-2027 harvest, which is tentatively scheduled for mid-October. Producers warn that saturating the market with imports could displace domestic production, delay harvests, and negatively impact the regional economy and the livelihoods of over 1,000 direct workers. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-22: Venezuela sugar producers warn of impact from refined sugar imports Venezuelan sugar cane producers warn that massive imports of refined sugar, including a 32,000-ton shipment from Brazil, threaten to displace local production and disrupt the upcoming harvest cycle. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-sugar-producers-warn-of-impact-from-refined-sugar-imports ### 2026-08-16: Venezuelan sugar growers seek import suspension to protect domestic market Venezuelan sugar cane growers are requesting a halt to refined sugar imports, citing unfair competition from untaxed products and a surplus of domestic stock. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-sugar-growers-seek-import-suspension-to-protect-domestic-market --- Cite as: Venezuelan sugar industry import disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuelan-sugar-industry-import-disputes