Pakistan’s Sugar Advisory Board Deliberates on Export and Production

Islamabad, In a recent meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Pakistan’s Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) convened to assess the sugar stock and production levels for the 2023-24 crushing season, amid considerations for balancing local demand and potential exports.

According to Press Information Department, the session, which brought together top federal officials, provincial representatives, and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), reported a total sugar production of 6.752 million metric tons for the current year. Minister Hussain emphasized the importance of stabilizing sugar prices to avoid burdening the public and proposed prioritizing domestic needs before exporting surplus sugar, noting Pakistan’s position as a provider of the cheapest sugar in the region.

The PSMA representatives expressed optimism about the upcoming season’s yield, attributing it to favorable pricing for farmers this year and advocated for the government’s permission to export excess stock. The board agreed to make a decision on exports after a comprehensive review of the stock, consumption patterns, and surplus in the next meeting, scheduled post-Eid-ul-Fitr, with the Ministry of Industries and Production tasked to present a detailed analysis.