Pakistan waives all duties, taxes on sugar imports to curb price hikes
In Pakistan, high sugar prices have triggered public outcry and become flashpoints for opposition criticism in the past, with allegations of hoarding and cartelization frequently surfacing in election years or periods of economic volatility.
The latest announcement from the ministry comes as sugar prices surge to nearly Rs200 [$0.70] per kilogram in several parts of the country, triggering public concern. National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain chaired a meeting of the steering committee on sugar on Wednesday, which decided to import the commodity through the Trade Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to ensure transparency and quality control.
'To facilitate this process, the government has exempted all duties and taxes on sugar imports so that sugar can be made available to the general public at affordable prices and inflationary pressures can be eased,' the ministry said in a statement.
It said sugar will be imported initially in two phases. In the first phase, a tender for 200,000 metric tons of sugar will be issued, followed by another tender for 150,000 metric tons after one week.
The ministry said these import quantities have been determined in line with immediate market requirements and anticipated demand in the coming weeks.
'The imported sugar will be of premium quality, meeting standard market expectations— specifically, the coarse-grain variety commonly used by consumers,' the statement said.
'Additionally, post-shipment inspection will be strictly enforced to ensure that quality standards are upheld.'
Hussain said the government would deploy a streamlined and 'active system' to guarantee timely distribution of imported sugar across the country, leaving no room for hoarding or profiteering.
'He expressed hope that this strategic intervention will help stabilize sugar prices in the local market and significantly ease the financial burden on consumers,' the ministry said.
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