Washington, D.C. – The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) today issued the following statement in support of the announcement by the U.S. Department of Commerce, upon advising by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), to allow an additional 100,000 short tons of refined sugar from Mexico to be imported to the United States.
SUA commends both the USDA and Commerce for today’s action. Bolstering the supply of refined sugar in the United States will help support U.S. food and beverage manufacturers in producing sugar-containing products that American consumers enjoy.
While the increase by 100,000 short tons is a step in the right direction, we know both Departments understand that the U.S. sugar market requires a significantly larger boost in supplies. According to the U.S-Mexico suspension agreements, that further increase will take place in December, when Mexico will receive additional U.S. sugar market access.
Today’s decision will allow for a greater percentage of refined sugar imports than would otherwise be the case — a decision we feel is appropriate given the circumstances.
We again thank the Administration for their action.
The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) represents American food and beverage manufacturers who use sugar to make the products U.S. consumers know and love — from sweet treats to everyday staples like bread, pasta sauce, yogurt and peanut butter. SUA members employ hundreds of thousands of Americans across the United States — from bakers and confectioners to food scientists and factory workers.
Connect with us at SweetenerUsers.org or follow us on Twitter @SweetenerUsers.
