India Bans Sugar Exports Until 2026

India's government prohibited exports of raw, white, and refined sugar with immediate effect until September 30, 2026, or further orders, in a policy shift aimed at securing domestic supplies and stabilizing local prices amid projections of tighter production.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued the notification on May 13, changing the export status from restricted to prohibited. Officials stated the measure addresses concerns over lower sugarcane yields in key producing states, with net sugar production for the 2025-26 season estimated at around 28 million metric tons, matching annual domestic consumption levels. This follows an earlier allowance of 1.59 million metric tons for export, based on expectations of surplus output.

Exceptions apply to maintain certain commitments. Exports to the European Union and United States under Carry Over Limit and Tariff Rate Quota arrangements will continue as prescribed. Sugar under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, which permits duty-free import of raw sugar for refining and re-export, remains governed by existing foreign trade policies. Transitional provisions allow shipments where...