Category Archives: Press Releases

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. 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…

Commerce Dept. Rules that Mexican Sugar Subsidies Distorted Trade

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ASA Statement On Senate Farm Bill Passage

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about yesterday’s overwhelming vote to approve S. 954, the Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act.

“We commend Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Thad Cochran (R-MS) for passing a bipartisan Farm Bill at a time when political bickering has become the norm. The fiscally responsible bill that emerged contains a strong sugar policy, and on behalf of the 142,000 Americans employed by the sugar-producing sector, we’d like to say, ‘Thank you.’

Sugar Farmers Remind Lawmakers of WWII Rationing

Every Capitol Hill office today received a personalized replica of a 1940s-era sugar rationing coupon(front, back), compliments of the American Sugar Alliance (ASA). The delivery, which comes in the middle of Farm Bill deliberations, is intended to remind lawmakers about the consequences of again becoming dependent on foreign sugar supplies.

“Dependence on foreign sugar led to rationing during World War II. Don’t make the same mistake again by outsourcing our sugar production,” warned the mailer.

Brazil’s $2.5 Billion a Year Sugar Subsidies Exposed

A complex web of Brazilian government programs provides nearly $2.5 billion per year in sugar subsidies, giving Brazil a leg up on its competitors and distorting global prices, according to a new report released today.

“This report underscores the importance of maintaining the current U.S. sugar policy, which was designed to shield consumers from foreign market manipulation and ensure an affordable, homegrown supply of a food staple,” said Jack Roney of the American Sugar Alliance.

UMD Professor: Candy Industry Thriving Under Current Sugar Policy

U.S. Sugar Jobs Will Be Lost If Policy Is Weakened

WASHINGTON—Confectioners and other producers of sugar-containing products (SCP) are adding more jobs, growing revenues faster and achieving higher profitability than other food processing segments, according to a new report released today that examines the economic effects of U.S. sugar policy.

“The SCP industry has been faring very well under current U.S. policy,” found the report’s author, University of Maryland Professor Alexander J. Triantis, Ph.D. The findings stand in contrast to claims by candy industry lobbyists that sugar policy has caused economic hardship.

ASA Statement on Senate Sugar Policy Vote

The American Sugar Alliance issued the following statement about today’s bipartisan vote in the United States Senate to reject a Farm Bill amendment offered by Sens. Patrick Toomey (R-PA) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) to gut America’s sugar policy.

Trade Panel Told of Sugar Policy Benefits

In testimony delivered to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) today, U.S. sugar producers encouraged the agency to publicly note the positive effect U.S. sugar policy has on the economy.

ASA Statement on Wall Street Journal Article

In response to today’s Wall Street Journal article about possible U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) actions to cope with record sugar surpluses, the American Sugar Alliance (ASA) released the following statement and background information.

Sugar Surpluses Reach Decade High

The sugar surpluses that are overhanging the U.S. market, and sending sugar prices plunging, continue to rapidly climb, according to data released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Surplus stock figures for the year ending Sept. 30, 2012, increased from 1.7 million tons to 2 million tons, the USDA noted. Estimated surpluses for the year ending Sept. 30, 2013, grew from 1.6 million tons to 2.2 million tons.