U.S.D.A. Sets 2018-19 Sugar T.R.Q. at Minimum

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on July 2 said it set the 2018-19 (fiscal 2019, which begins Oct. 1, 2018, for sugar) raw cane sugar tariff-rate quota (T.R.Q.) at 1,231,497 short tons, raw value (1,117,195 tonnes), the minimum required under World Trade Organization agreements. Imports may enter the United States until Sept. 30, 2019.

The U.S.D.A. set the 2018-19 refined sugar T.R.Q. at 211,644 short tons, raw value (192,000 tonnes), including 187,393 tons (170,000 tonnes) reserved for imports of specialty sugars as defined by the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The total refined sugar T.R.Q. includes the W.T.O. minimum of 24,251 tons (22,000 tonnes), of which 1,825 tons (1,656 tonnes) is reserved for specialty sugar.

The U.S.T.R. will allocate the raw and refined sugar T.R.Q.s (except for the amount reserved for specialty sugar) among eligible countries at a later date.