The Department of Agriculture (DA) will look into increasing tariffs on artificial sugars to protect the local sugar industry.
In a recent interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said a tariff tweak should help increase the demand for local sugar.
“Five percent lang siya ngayon. So, I really don’t know kung saan tayo papunta. But it should not be, it should not be too high,” he said on the sidelines of the induction of the new officers of the Economic Journalists Association.
He cited the DA’s decision following a brief discussion with Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
“It was a decision by SRA (Sugar Regulatory Administration) and DA to pursue the calculation. Nakausap ko si Sec. Go about his opinion on the matter,” Tiu Laurel added, citing Go’s consent on the agency’s planned actions.
The DA’s plan came following the increase in the volume of entry of artificial sugar in the country in 2025.
The volume of artificial sugar last year is estimated to be equivalent to 200,000 metric tons of raw sugar.
To protect local farmers, the DA earlier extended the ban on importation of sugar until the end of 2026. (PNA)
