Finance
EU proposes suspension of duty-free sugar import scheme
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 27, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Summary
The EU plans to suspend duty-free sugar imports to support local producers facing low prices and competition. This move is backed by sugar beet growers.
EU Considers Halting Duty-Free Sugar Imports to Support Producers
Impact of Proposed Sugar Import Suspension
PARIS, Jan 27 (Reuters) - The European Commission plans to propose the suspension of duty-free sugar imports to ease pressure on European producers facing falling prices and increased competition.
"I will propose a temporary suspension of the sugar inward processing regime to ease pressures on sugar producers," the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, said on X late on Monday.
Hansen did not disclose when any suspension might begin.
Mixed Reactions from Industry
MIXED REACTION
The inward processing relief (IPR) scheme allows companies to import sugar at zero duty and without limits, provided the sugar is refined or processed into food products and then re-exported outside the European Union, but the announcement drew mixed reactions.
European sugar beet growers lobby CIBE expressed strong support for suspension of the IPR scheme, saying it would be timely and necessary.
"It will provide the right signal and some relief on a very depressed EU sugar market," the group said on X.
Producers have said imports contributed to a supply glut that led EU sugar prices to slump to their lowest in at least three years.
Concerns from Sugar Refineries
But the sugar fermentation industry, sugar refineries and sugar user groups said the fall in prices was because of sugar beet overproduction and called on the Commission not to suspend the IPR scheme.
"Suspending inward processing relief would raise production costs for EU manufacturers, hindering their ability to compete internationally and threatening their ability to remain in global markets," they said in a joint statement.
Statistics on Sugar Imports
Raw sugar imported into the EU under IPR in the 2024/25 marketing year rose 19% from the previous year to 587,000 metric tons, 95% of which came from Brazil, European Commission data showed.
White sugar imports under IPR were up 5% at 155,000 tons in 2024/25, with 43% coming from Brazil, followed by Morocco, Egypt and Ukraine, the data showed.
European sugar producers have raised concerns about unfair competition and the potential impact of a trade deal with the Mercosur bloc of South American countries, including a larger sugar quota.
(Reporting by Sybille de La HamaideEditing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise and David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •EU plans to suspend duty-free sugar imports.
- •The suspension aims to support European sugar producers.
- •Increased imports have led to a sugar supply glut.
- •European sugar prices have hit a three-year low.
- •The proposal has received support from EU sugar beet growers.
Frequently Asked Questions about EU proposes suspension of duty-free sugar import scheme
1What is the IPR scheme?
The Inward Processing Regime (IPR) allows companies to import sugar into the EU duty-free, provided it is processed into food products and re-exported outside the EU.
2What is the impact of sugar import suspension?
The proposed suspension aims to alleviate pressures on European sugar producers facing falling prices and increased competition from imports.
3What are sugar beet producers concerned about?
Sugar beet producers are concerned about unfair competition from imports and the potential impact of trade deals that increase sugar quotas.
4What is the role of the European Commission?
The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
5What is the significance of sugar prices in the EU?
EU sugar prices have slumped to their lowest levels in three years, prompting concerns among producers about market sustainability.
