SA Canegrowers urges ITAC to protect rural jobs from sugar imports

Summary

South African Canegrowers, the organization that represents sugar farmers, is urging the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) to take stronger action to protect rural jobs. The group has raised concerns about a significant increase in imported sugar, which they say has hurt local producers. This surge in cheap imports is expected to cost the South African sugar industry around R733 million in 2025. Canegrowers highlights that the sugar industry is important for many rural communities, providing both jobs and income for families. Without protection from cheap sugar imports, many small farmers and workers could lose their livelihoods. The industry stresses that supporting local sugar production helps maintain rural economies and prevent job losses in farming areas. Canegrowers hopes that ITAC will impose measures such as tariffs or quotas to restrict sugar imports, helping to balance the market in favor of local producers. This move is seen as crucial for the survival of South Africa’s sugar industry and the millions of people depending on it for work.