The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has requested immediate government approval to export 600,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar [1].
This request aims to prevent a domestic supply glut that could crash prices, which would directly impact the financial stability of sugarcane farmers. By moving surplus stock into international markets, the industry seeks to fulfill a government pledge to allow exports while safeguarding the agricultural sector.
In a letter addressed to the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, the PSMA highlighted the current volume of sugar available within the country. According to the association, the total sugar stock in Pakistan stands at 3.4 million metric tonnes [2].
To justify the need for exports, the PSMA provided data on domestic demand. The association said that the average monthly sugar consumption in Pakistan is 567,000 metric tonnes [2]. This calculation suggests that the country maintains a significant reserve beyond immediate national needs, a surplus that the PSMA argues must be exported to maintain market equilibrium.
The request was formalized in July 2026, with the stock figures provided as of July 15, 2026 [2]. The PSMA North Zone, based in Lahore, said the move is necessary to ensure the interests of sugarcane growers are protected [3, 4].
Industry officials said the government must act quickly to allow these exports to proceed. The association maintains that the ability to export surplus sugar is essential for the long-term sustainability of the milling industry, and the farmers who supply the raw cane [3, 4].
“The PSMA has requested immediate government approval to export 600,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar.”
The request reflects a delicate balancing act by the Pakistani government to maintain low domestic food prices for consumers while ensuring that agricultural producers remain profitable. If the government denies the export request, the resulting oversupply could lead to a price collapse, potentially causing financial distress for sugarcane farmers and the mills that process their crops.
