Philippines Sugar Outlook Dims Amid Weather Woes and Pest Infestation

THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said it expects sugar production and exports to drop this year due to floods in the Negros Island Region, dry spells, and the infestation of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI). Speaking on the sidelines of the Department of Agriculture’s budget hearing at the House of Representatives, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona told reporters that further confirmation of the production outlook will come at the start of the milling season. Mr. Azcona noted that US exports are a big help when the sugar supply is sufficient. “We may have to make a decision whether or not to export because we need to inform the US, but we will do it once milling starts,” Mr. Azcona told reporters. Mr. Azcona said a decision on exports will hinge on validation of the area affected by the RSSI infestation. Mr. Azcona also said that the SRA has no plans to import sugar. “We’re still above our stock level threshold, so we’re safe for now,” Mr. Azcona said. As of mid-August, raw sugar production fell 11% year on year to 1.85 million metric tons, according to the SRA. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza