Welcome to the last edition of your beloved South African Sugar Journal this year (2025).Dominating the latest industry news is the sugar imports crisis, which is currently wreaking havoc in this critical agricultural sector. Our cover/lead article unpacks what this import devastation means for the industry and livelihoods dependent on it. Latest credible data reveals that the industry is reeling from the upsurge in sugar imports, which is nearing the one-billion-rand revenue loss point – in just over six months of this season (2025/2026).
The exigent matter prompted South African Sugar Association (SASA), on behalf of the industry, to lodge an application, in October last year (2024), with the International Trade Administration Council (ITAC) to increase the Dollar Based Reference Price (DBRP) or tariff to $905 (per ton) from the current $680 per ton. The reference price was last increased in 2018 when an avalanche of deep-sea sugar imports, mainly from Brazil, hit our shores, displacing local producers to the tune of at least two billion rand. The current application for the tariff increase is primarily based on the cost of production, which has continued to significantly increase in the past seven years, during which period the DBRP (tariff) remained unchanged.
In other stories, we bring you a mid-season update on trade and market conditions pertaining to our industry, an update on SASA’s regional projects (transformation intervention driving inclusive growth across the industry), crucial meeting between the industry and Mpumalanga government, South African Farmers Development Association’s 10th anniversary symposium and Imbizo, the first SA Canegrowers’ lucerne harvest (in Makhathini), Sugar Milling Research Institute’s 75th anniversary celebration and how the early childhood development programme is helping empower rural communities in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. Of course, there are more stories inside these pages.
We are once again excited to dish up Christmas recipes in this year-end issue! Indeed, the festive season is upon! The spirit of laughter, joy and excitement permeates the air as families come together to enjoy this much-needed break from hectic work life. To those travelling, please be safe on the roads.
From all of us, merry Christmas and wishing you a prosperous new year (2026).
Portia Mpofu
External Affairs Director
South African Sugar Association