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- The USA recently announced it would import more sugar than normal in 2020.
- The rules surrounding the increased raw sugar TRQ and new refined sugar quota have now been published.
- Refined sugar will enter on a first come first served basis in seven different tranches throughout April to June.
Raw Sugar TRQ Expansion
- The raws TRQs have been expanded to ensure sufficient supply reaches the US market this year.
- Unsurprisingly, many of the countries with a significant allocation are already significant quota holders.
- Some of the smaller volumes might me harder to ship this season if they do not top up larger bulk shipments.
- Ecuador, Guyana, Zimbabwe and Malawi have already shipped a majority of their TRQ volume this season.
- You can track TRQ fills in our interactive database here.
- However, the majority of this volume should have no problem entering the USA.
Refined Sugar Import Quota
- The refined sugar quota has no country allocation and will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
- There is no certification necessary for the sugar to be cleared under the quota, apart from being above 99.5 polarity.
- This should ensure the quotas are easily filled with any available sugar currently in transit or in bond at the ports.
US Refined Quota Schedule
- This quota has been expected for a considerable amount of time and we expect the first tranche may fill in a day.
- Suppliers are likely to have sugar currently held in bonded warehouses waiting for this quota to open.
- The USDA is still reliant on Mexican imports this season to ensure closing stocks are at the required 13.5%.