The subcommittee on customs and tariff regulation in Russia has approved a ban on sugar exports until August 31, 2024, to address concerns about increased sugar shipments abroad. The Ministry of Agriculture previously reported a significant rise in sugar exports compared to the previous season.
The ban aims to maintain sufficient sugar reserves and ensure supply to partners in the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia's affordable sugar has attracted new importers such as Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, North Korea, and Senegal.
With a forecasted sugar production of 6.8 million tons this season, Russia plans to redirect around 200,000 tons for EAEU countries by the end of the 2023/24 season. This measure intends to fulfill sugar supply agreements within the EAEU and stabilize the domestic market.
Notably, Tajikistan, which imported nearly a third of its sugar from Russia last year, will seek alternative sources due to the export ban. The country relies entirely on sugar imports as it lacks domestic production capacity.
In 2023, Tajikistan imported 141,500 tons of sugar, with over 32% sourced from Russia. Other significant sugar suppliers included Pakistan, India, Belarus, and Iran.
The cost of sugar imports to Tajikistan increased in 2023, with 48 suppliers participating in the market. The ban on Russian sugar exports will impact Tajikistan's sugar market, requiring adjustments to meet domestic demand.
