EU countries decide to stop processing imported raw cane sugar

EU member states have supported the European Commission's proposal to end the domestic processing of imported raw cane sugar, the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development reports.

 

The European Commission said that this move will not affect imports of white sugar, but will help reduce market pressure on European sugar producers and restore market balance. Companies operating in related industries and using white sugar as a raw material for the production of products intended for export will not have problems with its import.

 

The authorisations will be suspended for one year, and will apply to both new and existing authorisations or rights to use cane sugar for processing within the EU. During this period, processors who previously imported raw cane sugar for refining into white sugar will retain access to raw cane sugar from countries with preferential access to the EU market.

 

The European Commission plans to assess the results of the termination of permits in six months and consider options for improving the operation of sugar processing enterprises in the long term.

 

In addition, it is reported that EU farmers have already reduced the area sown under sugar beets in response to changing market conditions.