Duty-free sugar imports extended till March 31

11 Jan 2011 Evaluate

As a preemptive measure against rising food inflation, the government has extended the zero-duty regime on refined and raw sugar imports by three months to March 31. In April 2009, the government had done away with import duty on sugar following a sharp decline in domestic output to nearly 15 million tonnes against the annual domestic demand of 23 million tonnes. After the zero-duty regime lapsed on December 31, 2010, it had brought into effect the earlier duty structure of 60 per cent. However, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) have extended the duty-free regime till March 31.

Sugar prices are at present hovering at Rs 35 per kg which is considerably lower compared to the corresponding period last year recording Rs 50.  Sugar output in India, the world’s second biggest producer, is estimated to touch 24.5 million tonnes in 2010-11 sugar year (October-September), against the annual domestic demand of 23 million tonnes. Besides, the country has an opening stock of about five million tonnes. On the expectation of better output, the government had allowed sugar exports of 1.5 million tonnes under the Open General License (OGL) and Advance License Scheme.

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