‘Faces of Sugar Policy’ Series Starts on the Front Lines
ASA launches new campaign to show lawmakers what’s at stake for cane and beet farmers across the country as they debate the future of sugar.
Sugar Farmers to Congress: Don’t Cut My Family Out of the Farm Bill
Sugar farmers from across the country descended today on Capitol Hill for two weeks of meetings with lawmakers. And their message is crystal clear: “Don’t cut my family out of the Farm Bill.”
Farmers’ Share of Valentine’s Day Sales is Heartbreaking
ASA released an infographic noting that sugar producers see just 2 cents from a $7.99 heart-shaped box of chocolates.
New Educational Video Explains No-Cost U.S. Sugar Policy
ASA releases final installment in four-part “Sugar Shorts” video series that explains how U.S. sugar policy works.
Foreign Sugar Subsidies Take Center Stage in Latest ASA Video
Sugar has been called the world’s most distorted market. Our third “Sugar Shorts” video explains why.
Second Installment in Video Series Explores U.S. Sugar Prices
How has the price of sugar remained so low for so long? The second video in the “Sugar Shorts” series explores the answer.
‘Sugar Farmer Bankruptcy Bill’ Introduced to Outsource U.S. Sugar Production
Amendments designed to gut no-cost U.S. sugar policy were rejected during the 2014 Farm Bill debate, but their backers are dusting them off for another run.
New Video Series to Explore U.S. Sugar Production
As the holiday season kicks off, Americans will be reaching for a staple in their pantries. From pumpkin pie to cookies for Santa, U.S. households have relied on domestic sugar supplies for generations.
American Sugar Alliance Commends USDA Appointees Censky, McKinney
“We commend the White House for filling these important positions with two individuals who will provide strong leadership at a critical time for the U.S. sugar industry.”
House Agriculture Committee to Start Writing New Farm Bill
Rep. Peterson said drafting should begin in September and that he’d like to complete a Farm Bill this year, before the Senate does.
Researchers Refute Heritage’s Farm Policy Attacks
Three researchers who presented today at the International Sweetener Symposium criticized a controversial Heritage Foundation attack on farm policy.
CoBank Official: Strong Farm Policy Essential to Weathering Current Economic Storm
“It’s important to keep some key ingredients of the farm safety net during this transition period.”
Chairman Conaway Provides Sugar Producers Update on Farm Bill
Current sugar policy is a big part of the Farm Bill, and Chairman Conaway applauded the policy for its $0 budget and past success in keeping prices stable.
America’s Biggest Farm Groups Reaffirm Sugar Policy Support, Stress Need to Unite
Leaders from the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union (NFU) today pledged their continued support of U.S. sugar policy.
Global Sugar Prices Take a Plunge After Years of Recovery
“Bears remain firmly in the driving seat,” the executive director of the International Sugar Organization said today of the global sugar market.
Loans Repaid with Interest are Key to a Vibrant U.S. Sugar Industry
“A reliable, affordable, homegrown sugar supply is in the public interest, and no-cost sugar policy makes it all possible.”
Grocery Shoppers Didn’t Reap Reward of Mexico-Induced Sugar Price Freefall
Despite nearly 5 years of declining prices, makers of candy, cakes, cookies and other sweet treats never lowered prices for grocery shoppers.
Montana Sugar Farmer Outlines Industry’s Farm Bill Priorities
Ervin Schlemmer called on Congress to maintain U.S. sugar policy and to make research funding a priority in the news Farm Bill.
U.S. Sugar Producers Support Nomination of USTR’s Top Ag Negotiator
“Mr. Doud has a tremendous amount of experience in agricultural and trade policy. He is an advocate for U.S. farmers and ranchers…”
U.S. Sugar Producers Applaud Deal to Stop Illegally Dumped Mexican Sugar
America’s sugar farmers and producers today informed the Department of Commerce (DOC) that they support the agreement to bring Mexico’s subsidized sugar industry into compliance with U.S. trade laws. The pledge was made after DOC tightened the agreement.
U.S. Sugar Producers Respond to DOC’s Sugar Deal with Mexico
“U.S. sugar farmers and producers are concerned that the agreement in principle contains a major loophole in the section dealing with additional U.S. needs…”
Congress Calls on Trump to Stand Strong Against Subsidized Mexican Sugar
“We urge you to continue your strong efforts to utilize the United States’ antidumping and countervailing laws in response to the serious injury Mexico caused to U.S. sugar producers.”
DOC Announces Action to Stop Mexican Dumping of Subsidized Sugar with Duties, Unless a Deal Can Be Reached
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) yesterday announced that it would end the antidumping and countervailing duty suspension agreements in place with Mexico and impose duties on Mexican sugar beginning June 5, unless the two countries can reach an accord before then to stop Mexico’s unfair trading practices.
ASA to House Ag Subcommittee: Keep Sugar Policy Strong Amid Low Prices, Foreign Subsidies
ASA’s Jack Roney testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management that a strong sugar policy is essential in the current low-price environment.
Sugar Farmers Address National Farm Bill Summit
The president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association and a fifth-generation Louisiana sugarcane farmer spoke today at Agri-Pulse’s Farm Bill Summit.
American Sugar Alliance Congratulates New White House Ag Adviser
The American Sugar Alliance released the following statement about President Trump appointing Ray Starling to the National Economic Council.
Sugar to ITC: Mexican Case Shows Value of No-Cost U.S. Policy
As Mexico dumped subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market in recent years and sent sugar prices spiraling downward, consumers paid more for sweetened products and food manufacturers’ revenues grew. That’s according to Jack Roney, an economist with the American Sugar Alliance.
Congratulations, Gov. Perdue
America’s sugar producers would like to congratulate former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on his nomination to serve as the next Secretary of Agriculture.
American Sugar Alliance Welcomes Incoming USTR
“Mr. Lighthizer’s commitment to strong enforcement of U.S. trade agreements and laws make him a perfect choice for USTR.”
10 Years Later, Sugar Prices Down but Food Prices Up
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—Grocery shoppers with a sweet tooth are paying more than double what they paid for a candy bar 10 years earlier, even though the sugar in that candy bar is cheaper today than a decade ago. That’s according to an annual survey of sweetened product prices conducted by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA).
European and U.S. Sugar Industries Oppose New T-TIP Import Commitments
From the International Sweetener Symposium: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—Leaders from the U.S. and European sugar industries today agreed that no new market access commitments for sugar should be included in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) trade deal between the United States and the European Union (EU). “America’s sugar market is already oversupplied with unneeded…
Sen. Crapo: U.S. and Mexican Governments Must Fix Sugar Market Mess
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—The U.S. Department of Commerce found Mexico’s sugar industry guilty of dumping subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market and harming American producers. But the 2014 settlement forged between the two governments to avoid retaliatory tariffs isn’t working, a United States Senator said today at the International Sweetener Symposium.
Sugar Industry Thanks Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and Staff for Their Service
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—Calling Tom Vilsack “one of the finest secretaries that agriculture has ever had,” American Sugar Alliance chairman Luther Markwart paid special tribute yesterday to the current leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Secretary Vilsack has been very good to our industry and has always been thoughtful,” he explained at the International Sweetener Symposium. “Over the past eight years, his team has implemented two farm bills, worked to build good trade deals for agriculture, and maintained an open-door policy for producers through it all.”
New ASA Video Spotlights Academic Sugar Policy Studies
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho—Two studies touting the importance of U.S. sugar policy took center stage today when the American Sugar Alliance released a new video about studies by professors at Texas A&M University and the University of Maryland.
U.S. and Global Sugar Prices Head in Opposite Directions
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – U.S. sugar prices have fallen while prices on the world market are rapidly rising, taking a key argument away from opponents of U.S. sugar policy who have long complained about not having more access to heavily subsidized foreign supplies.
Messages from Congressional Leaders Set Stage for Sweetener Symposium
From the International Sweetener Symposium:
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — As the 33rd International Sweetener Symposium kicked off this morning, attendees received a warm welcome from Agriculture Committee leaders.
“We don’t have an economy or a middle class, for that matter, if we don’t make things or grow things. And that’s what each of you do,” Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI), the top Democrat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, said in a video message. “America’s great sugar industry is an essential part of the rural economy and our nation’s agricultural economy.”
New Study Spotlights India’s Sugar Subsidy Schemes
Govt. Handouts Total $1.7 Billion a Year and Distort Global Prices From the International Sweetener Symposium: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — A new report released today at the International Sweetener Symposium details the estimated $1.7 billion in annual subsidies propping up India’s inefficient sugar industry. The study’s author, Antoine Meriot of Sugar Expertise, LLC, spent months…
Aggie Analysis Lends Support to U.S. Sugar Policy
New Texas A&M Study Details Importance of Current No-Cost Policy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 17, 2016 CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303 WASHINGTON – Current legislative proposals to change U.S. sugar policy may be positioned as modest reform, but they would have dire economic consequences on U.S. sugar producers, put U.S. taxpayers on the hook, and leave…
University of Maryland Economist Details Business Returns Under Current Sugar Policy
For Immediate Release: April 18, 2016
Contact: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON – Since the current U.S. sugar policy took hold in 2008, candy companies and producers of other sugar containing products (SCP) have added jobs, increased production, and boosted profitability, according to a new study by the dean of the University of Maryland’s business school.
Dr. Alex Triantis, who prepared the report for the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), wrote: “During 2009-2014 – a period that included a U.S. economic recession and unusually high world and U.S. sugar prices – SCP industry jobs rose by 3 percent while non-sweetened-food industry jobs were flat.”
U.S. Sugar Producers Comment on Nairobi WTO Ministerial Meeting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 22, 2015 CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-271-5734 (cell) WASHINGTON—The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about the results of the 10th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, Kenya: “We commend our Nairobi negotiating team for their hard work in securing an agreement that will bring a definitive end to…
U.S. Sugar Producers Comment on Final TPP Language
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 10, 2015 CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-271-5734 (cell) WASHINGTON — After reviewing the official text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement: “We have carefully examined the final language and details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and are pleased to confirm that America’s trade negotiators delivered…
Sugar Producers Call for End of Global Subsidies at Congressional Hearing
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2015 |
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes (202) 271-5734 |
WASHINGTON—During a House Agriculture Committee hearing about foreign agricultural subsidies today, U.S. sugar producers publicly pledged to scrap U.S. sugar policy if other countries would stop manipulating the global sugar market with trade-distorting policies.
“Absent government intervention, the world sugar price would rise to reflect the cost of producing sugar, and America’s efficient producers could compete well on a level playing field,” said Jack Roney, director of economics and policy analysis for the American Sugar Alliance. “We have endorsed a congressional resolution to eliminate U.S. sugar policy when foreign countries eliminate theirs.”
U.S. Government Rules Against Mexican Sugar Industry in Trade Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2015
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON — The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) agreed today by a 6 to 0 vote that Mexico’s sugar industry harmed American producers by dumping subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market.
The verdict means that an accord signed by the U.S. and Mexican governments to establish a needs-based trading structure and stop Mexico’s abuses will remain in effect for at least five years.
U.S. Sugar Producers Comment on TPP Deal
WASHINGTON—The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today’s announcement that an agreement was reached on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal: [pullquote] “The American Sugar Alliance still needs to review the final language and verify details in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, but we are cautiously optimistic about what we’ve learned from U.S. trade negotiators. …
Commerce Dept. Rules that Mexican Sugar Subsidies Distorted Trade
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2015 |
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes 202-271-5734 (cell) |
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) today ruled that Mexico’s sugar industry unfairly dumped subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market. Mexico’s sugar industry was found to be dumping at margins of 40.48 percent to 42.14 percent and subsidized from 5.78 percent to 43.93 percent. Mexico’s government-owned sugar mills were subsidized at 43.93 percent.
USDA Under Secretary Reiterates TPP Sugar Pledge at International Sweetener Symposium, Underscores Trade’s Importance
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Michael Scuse today addressed the 32nd International Sweetener Symposium, where he thanked U.S. sugar producers for the manner in which they’ve worked with U.S. officials during the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
America’s Largest Farm Organizations Urge Unity to Protect Farm Bill
When agricultural opponents targeted U.S. sugar policy during July’s appropriations process, the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union were among the groups that stepped up to defend sugar farmers.
Timeline Provided for Pending Trade Cases Against Mexican Sugar
Lawyers representing U.S. sugar producers today released a timeline of key dates in the anti-dumping and countervailing duty cases against Mexico’s sugar industry. Robert Cassidy, a partner with Cassidy Levy Kent, LLP in Washington, D.C., also gave attendees of the 32nd International Sweetener Symposium an update on where the process stands.
N.M. Lawmaker Details Importance of Agricultural Unity
Sugar is not grown in New Mexico, but a key member of the state’s congressional delegation reiterated his support of no-cost U.S. sugar policy yesterday at the 32nd International Sugar Symposium.
New ASA Chairman Answers Sugar Policy Critics in Video
Luther Markwart, executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association, was elected chairman of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) on Monday. And he wasted little time in jumping to the defense of all U.S. sugar producers.
Shopping Trends, Government Regulations and Information About Sugar at a Crossroads
Consumers are being overwhelmed with information about the food they purchase and eat every day – with sugar in the middle – and it’s fueling confusion and changing the way different generations shop. That’s according to a panel of consumer and scientific experts today at the 32nd International Sweetener Symposium.
USTR Official Reaffirms Sugar Policy Pledge in TPP Talks
A senior U.S. trade official yesterday told American sugar producers that the government will not consider unreasonable sugar market access demands by foreign nations in the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, thus solidifying its commitment to the smooth operation of no-cost U.S. sugar policy.
Sugar Makes Up Just 1% of a Candy Bar’s Price
Candy bar prices jumped another 10 cents this year to an all-time high $1.49, and sugar makes up just 1 percent of the cost, according to information released by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) today at the 32nd International Sweetener Symposium.
Low-Price, Subsidy-Filled World Sugar Market Gets Worse
When global sugar prices began tanking more than three years ago, analysts predicted that worldwide production would fall and prices would quickly rebound. But the opposite occurred with prices recently dipping to the lowest point since 2008, and most observers now expect the slide to continue.
Candy Business Booming as Jobs, Production, Profits Grow
Jack Roney, an economist with the American Sugar Alliance, says times are sweet for the candy industry right now. In remarks today at the 32nd International Sweetener Symposium, Roney explained that while jobs in other food manufacturing sectors have declined, employment has risen for companies that produce sugar containing products, or SCPs.
EU Sugar Growers to See $665 Million in Annual Subsidy Payments
The European Union is in the midst of overhauling its sugar program, and when the transition is complete, sugar producers will receive $665 million a year in subsidy checks. That’s according to a new paper about announced policy reforms by Patrick Chatenay, a sugar policy expert from the UK-based company ProSunergy.
New Study: Foreign Shoppers Pay 20% More for Sugar than Americans
Critics of U.S. sugar policy who claim U.S. sugar prices are excessive got a dose of reality today. Turns out world average retail sugar prices are 20 percent higher than prices in the United States, according to a new study by SIS International.
More Than $1.3 Billion in Thai Sugar Subsidies Exposed
Despite a collapse of global sugar prices, Thailand has been able to maintain high levels of sugar production thanks to at least $1.3 billion a year in subsidies and other policies – all of which has only exacerbated the glut of sugar currently distorting the world market.
Sugar Producers Comment on Latest DOC Decision
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) yesterday granted standing to Imperial Sugar Co. and AmCane Sugar LLC in the antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) cases filed last year against Mexico’s sugar industry. The AD/CVD cases had been suspended following an agreement reached between the U.S. and Mexican governments, but will recommence as a result of the latest DOC decision.
ITC: Suspension Agreements Remove the Injury Caused by Unfairly Traded Mexican Sugar
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2015
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON—The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today upheld the agreements between the U.S. and Mexican governments to stop subsidized Mexican sugar from being dumped onto the U.S. market. The ITC was asked to determine whether the governments’ settlement adequately removed the injury caused by unfairly traded Mexican sugar.
Sugar Producers Back Zero-for-Zero Policy Reintroduction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 3, 2015
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON-Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) reintroduced his Zero-for-Zero sugar policy, on Friday, which would instruct the administration to target the foreign sugar subsidies that are distorting world prices and keeping a free market from forming. Under the plan, U.S. sugar policy would also be rolled back in exchange for the elimination of foreign programs.
Members of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) praised Yoho and the eight original co-sponsors of H.Con.Res. 20, and said sugar farmers from across the country are in town this week to educate lawmakers about the current U.S. policy and to encourage support for the resolution.
ASA Catalogues Foreign Subsidy Escalation on Website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 19, 2015
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON — U.S. sugar producers today unveiled a new resource on the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) website that catalogues increases to foreign sugar subsidies made over the past two years. The site, which provides links to news reports about international subsidy changes, already includes nearly 30 entries.
USDA: Sugar Policy to Cost $0 for Next Decade
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2015
CONTACT: Phillip Hayes, 202-507-8303
WASHINGTON—U.S. sugar policy is expected to cost taxpayers $0 from FY2015 to FY2025, according to projections released last week by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Sugar policy is the least expensive major commodity policy in the Farm Bill because farmers repay loans with interest instead of receiving subsidy checks. It ran at no cost to taxpayers from 2003 to 2012 and again in 2014.
There was a net cost of $259 million in 2013 when the USDA had to take emergency action to prevent the market from collapsing after Mexico dumped a record amount of subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market.
U.S., Mexican Governments Finalize Settlement in Sugar Trade Cases
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) today announced that the U.S. and Mexican governments have reached an agreement to suspend the ongoing antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of sugar from Mexico.
U.S. Producers Comment on Draft Deal to Suspend Cases Against Mexican Sugar
American sugar producers today submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Commerce to ensure that the draft agreements reached between the U.S. and Mexican governments to suspend pending trade cases against Mexico’s sugar industry can be effectively enforced.
U.S., Mexican Governments Settle Sugar Subsidy and Dumping Cases
WASHINGTON (October 28, 2014)—U.S. and Mexican government officials yesterday initialed an accord to suspend the ongoing antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of sugar from Mexico. Phillip Hayes, a spokesman for the American Sugar Alliance, released the following statement about the settlement. “U.S. government officials should be commended for their hard work and diligence in reaching…
Dept. of Commerce: Mexican Sugar Subsidies Distort Trade
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) today said Mexican sugar subsidies are giving Mexico’s sugar mills an unfair trade advantage. As a result of this preliminary ruling, a duty deposit will be collected on sugar imports from Mexico until the U.S. government can complete its investigation and make a final determination in the case. A 17.01 percent duty deposit will be imposed on sugar imported from mills operated by the Mexican government. Sugar produced by the Mexican company GAM will see a 2.99 percent duty deposit and all other Mexican sugar will be subject to a 14.87 percent duty deposit.
Candy Costs Continue Climb Despite Sugar Price Stagnation
Grocery shoppers in the coming year will be asked to pay more for candy despite the fact that sugar prices have remained relatively flat over the past 30 years, according to an American Sugar Alliance (ASA) report released today at the 31st International Sweetener Symposium.
Sugar Producers Must Continue Pushing for Strong Policies
With the 2014 Farm Bill in the rear view mirror, farmers must remain vigilant in protecting the farm safety net. That was the clear message delivered today by leaders of the two biggest farm organizations at the 31st International Sweetener Symposium.
World Sugar Market is Far From Free or Fair
The idea that there is global free trade in sugar is a “mirage,” according to Patrick Chatenay, a sugar and ethanol expert from the UK-based company ProSunergy, because “subsidies are rampant and unequal.” Further, he said, “Currency fluctuations make a mockery of tariff trade concessions and can damage competitive sugar producers.”
Food Trends: Value and Convenience Driving Consumer Habits
Consumers want fresh, convenient food, along with the ability to leverage digital platforms, according to a panel of experts at the 31st International Sweetener Symposium.
Global Sugar Subsidies Take Spotlight in New ASA Video
Sugar is the world’s most distorted commodity market and increased government involvement is fueling inefficiency, according to a new video released today by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA).
No End in Sight to Sugar Policy Fight
Lawmakers have voted eight times in the past two years to continue U.S. sugar policy, and according to the American Sugar Alliance’s Jack Roney, that is proof that Congress strongly supports America’s sugar farmers and the 142,000 jobs they underpin.
Sugar Subsidies Spur Surplus and Sour Market
Attendees of the 31st International Sweetener Symposium were told today that a four-year sugar surplus is weighing on global prices.
New Video Compares U.S., Mexican Sugar Industries
Returns have been low for the better part of three decades for sugar industries on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border, but the two countries have dealt with the challenge far differently. That’s according to a new American Sugar Alliance (ASA) video released today at the 31st International Sweetener Symposium.
Mexican Export Subsidies Injuring U.S. Sugar Producers
U.S. sugar producers have filed new subsidy allegations in their countervailing duty case against Mexico’s sugar industry, including evidence that export subsidies are fueling a flood of Mexican sugar shipments and injuring U.S. sugar farmers and processors.
Government Report Details Injury Caused By Subsidized Mexican Sugar
The damage caused by dumped and subsidized sugar imports from Mexico – including depressed domestic prices, lost revenue to U.S. producers, and approximately $260 million in taxpayer expenses – was detailed in a nearly 200-page government report issued on Monday.
DOC Extends Investigation Into Mexican Sugar Subsidies
“This action was expected and very much in order considering Mexico’s complicated web of sugar subsidies and the fact that Mexico’s government owns a large chunk of the industry,” said Phillip Hayes.
House Appropriators Back Sugar Policy Again
The U.S. House Appropriations Committee today reaffirmed lawmakers’ support of the sugar policy included in the 2014 Farm Bill by rejecting an amendment designed to weaken that policy and leave Americans more dependent on subsidized foreign sugar.
ITC: Dumped Mexican Sugar Harming U.S. Farmers, Taxpayers
American businesses and taxpayers have been harmed by the unfair trading practices of Mexico’s sugar industry, which has dumped subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market, according to a preliminary ruling today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).
U.S. sugar producers filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions with the ITC in March claiming that Mexico’s actions will cost the industry $1 billion this year. The petitions further noted that efforts by U.S. government officials to keep the market from collapsing under the surge of subsidized Mexican imports cost taxpayers $278 million in FY2013.
DOC Initiates Investigation Into Mexican Sugar Subsidies, Dumping
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) today announced that it would initiate an investigation to determine if the Mexican government has subsidized Mexico’s sugar production and whether that sugar is being dumped into the U.S. market. A group of U.S. sugar producers filed antidumping and countervailing duty petitions against Mexico’s sugar industry on March 28, and they applauded DOC’s decision. “It is clear that the petitions have merit in the eyes of the U.S. government,” said Phillip Hayes, a spokesperson for the American Sugar Alliance. “Considering what’s currently happening in the market, we are hopeful that corrective action will be taken as soon as possible.”
U.S. Sugar Producers File Antidumping, Subsidy Cases Against Mexico
America’s sugar producers today asked the United States government to take corrective action against Mexico’s sugar industry for dumping subsidized sugar onto the U.S. market and inflicting harm on U.S. growers and taxpayers.
The antidumping and countervailing duty petitions filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Commerce allege that the Mexican industry has shipped sugar to the United States at dumping margins of 45 percent or more and has received substantial subsidies from Mexican federal and state governments.
U.S. Sugar Producers Set Sights on Foreign Subsidies
With a strong five-year sugar policy at their side, U.S. sugar producers are now setting their sights on addressing the foreign sugar subsidies that make U.S. sugar policy necessary. That’s according to Jack Roney, director of economics and policy analysis for the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), who spoke today at the USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum. “U.S. sugar producers are among the most efficient in the world, and we would thrive in a global free market, if one existed,” he explained. “But historically, sugar has been and continues to be the world’s most distorted commodity market because of foreign subsidization. Something must be done about it.”
New Five-Year Sugar Policy Becomes Law
President Barack Obama today officially signed the 2014 Farm Bill, and with it, continued America’s current sugar policy for another five years. Sugar producers applauded the new law, which overcame tremendous obstacles to ultimately unite leaders from both political parties.
The sugar industry also noted its appreciation for the signing ceremony being held in Michigan, which is home to Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D)…
American Sugar Alliance Applauds House Farm Bill Approval
Following today’s vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to approve the 2014 Farm Bill conference report, the American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement. “Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should be commended for putting together a bipartisan Farm Bill compromise capable of winning overwhelming support in the House. Farmers are now one step closer to having the peace of mind that a strong five-year Farm Bill brings…
Sugar Producers Cheer Farm Bill Conference Report, Urge Passage
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about the Farm Bill conference report filed yesterday evening.
“Falling sugar prices and foreign subsidies have created a challenging environment for U.S. sugar producers and the 142,000 U.S. jobs they help support. But the sugar policy contained in the 2014 Farm Bill gives them the hope of weathering the storm…
ASA Statement on Loan Forfeitures
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today’s announcement that sugar was forfeited to the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to depressed sugar prices.
“A wave of unneeded, subsidized Mexican sugar has sent U.S. prices plummeting since 2010, and as a result, some sugar producers will be unable to repay government-backed operating loans with interest. It is unfortunate for America’s farmers and taxpayers that the United States has become a dumping ground for subsidized Mexican sugar, much of which is produced and owned by the Mexican government.
ASA Statement on Pitts Resolution Vote
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today’s bipartisan vote in the United States House of Representatives to reject a resolution by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) to gut America’s sugar policy.
Food Trends: New Opportunities for Manufacturers and Consumers
From the International Sweetener Symposium:NAPA, Calif.—An ever-evolving food marketplace, driven by consumer demand and tastes, is creating new opportunities and challenges for food manufacturers, according to a panel of experts at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium.
“An overwhelming majority of Americans are receptive to positive messages about a healthful diet,” said Marianne Smith Edge, senior VP, nutrition & food safety, the International Food Information Council (IFIC). “But their willingness to believe food and health information is most influenced by their own research, as well as advice from friends and family before a qualified health professional.”
Momentum Building for ‘Zero-for-Zero’ Sugar Policy
Legislation introduced by Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) to end global sugar subsidies in favor of a free market has picked up key endorsements in recent weeks, including many conservative organizations and numerous lawmakers.
Yoho’s bill would instruct the administration to target the foreign sugar subsidies that are distorting world prices. Once foreign subsidies are eradicated, U.S. sugar policy would be eliminated.
Sugar Policy Explained in Short Four-Minute Video
Sugar policy is often thought of as complex, but the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) boiled it down in a short video released today at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium. ASA said it hopes the video will help lawmakers and Hill staff better understand the policy as the Farm Bill debate continues.
Rep. Conaway Praises U.S. Sugar Policy, Criticizes Foreign Subsidies
U.S. sugar policy has worked well for taxpayers, consumers and farmers, U.S. Representative K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) said today at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium. So recent House and Senate votes to extend the policy was no surprise to the chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee General Farm Commodities and Risk Management.
Low Sugar Prices Likely to Continue as Surpluses Build
Global sugar subsidies are on the rise, while sugar prices continue to slump. That’s according to International Sugar Organization Executive Director Peter Baron.
Brazil’s Sugar Subsidies Expand as Global Prices Fall
Patrick Chatenay, a UK-based researcher and global sugar policy expert, quantified more than $2.5 billion a year in hidden Brazilian sugar subsidies earlier this year. But since his study was published in April, Brazil has announced additional incentives to help its sugar and sugarcane ethanol sector, he said today at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium.
Candy Companies Asked to Help End Global Sugar Subsidies and Support a Free Market
Large confectioners and sugar farmers don’t agree on much when it comes to sugar policy. But during a panel today at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium, leaders from both groups advocated for free markets where the most efficient businesses thrive.
Weakened Sugar Policy Would Have Profound Impact on Sugar Jobs, Little Impact on Food Company Employment
When both chambers of the United States Congress voted this summer to continue U.S. sugar policy, it was a big victory for the 142,000 jobs supported by the sugar industry, according to University of Maryland Professor Alexander Triantis. “A weakened sugar policy would have a profound effect on sugar related jobs,” he said today at the 30th International Sweetener Symposium. “But I’ve found no evidence that sugar price affects jobs in the sugar-using industry.”
ASA Statement on House Sugar Policy Vote
The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today’s bipartisan vote in the United States House of Representatives to reject a Farm Bill amendment offered by Reps. Joe Pitts (R-PA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) to gut America’s sugar policy.
“Once again, legislators have turned back attempts to reward heavily subsidized foreign sugar producers and leave America more dependent on other countries for a food staple.
Sugar Producers Applaud Zero-for-Zero Legislation, Urge Co-Sponsors
Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) introduced a “zero-for-zero” sugar policy on Friday that would instruct the administration to target the foreign sugar subsidies that are distorting world prices and keeping a free market from forming.
New Sugar Policy Video Spotlights Low Prices and Big Candy’s Profits
U.S. sugar prices are as low today as they were in the 1980s, and confectioners are prospering under the current U.S. sugar policy. That was the message in a new video released today by the American Sugar Alliance (ASA).
RedState Hosts Sugar Policy Panel to Discuss ‘Zero-for-Zero’
Erick Erickson, the editor-in-chief for RedState, hosted a panel of conservatives yesterday to discuss sugar policy and the ongoing Farm Bill debate. Panelists argued that unilateral disarmament of U.S. policy was not a free-market strategy and urged support of a zero-for-zero strategy, where U.S. policy would be eliminated once foreign subsidies are curbed.