Sugar imports in Kenya decline to 7-month low as factories resume crushing

Published 2024년 3월 24일

Tridge summary

In Kenya, sugar imports hit a seven-month low in February as local production saw a significant increase, thanks to the resumption of operations at sugar factories after a shutdown caused by a cane shortage. This improvement in local production followed the lifting of a government-imposed five-month ban designed to allow cane to mature. Consequently, sugar imports dropped to 42,381 tonnes, the lowest since July 2023, while local production in February soared to 63,075 tonnes, marking the highest output since January 2023. This surge in local production has led to a decrease in sugar prices, benefiting consumers with lower landed costs for imported refined sugar and reduced retail prices, alongside a decrease in the ex-factory sugar price in February 2024.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Sugar imported into the country dipped to a seven-month low in February on improved output as factories resumed operations after months of shutdown due to a shortage of cane. According to data from the Sugar Directorate, traders imported 42,381 tonnes of the sweetener last month, recording the lowest quantity since July 2023, when 27,179 tonnes were shipped into the country. Kenya has found it less necessary to import sugar over the past three months after the government lifted the five-month ban effected to allow cane to mature. Read: Kebs tightens duty-free sugar imports rules to curb abuse The ban was lifted in December, bringing the local factories back to life. During the ban, the millers unsuccessfully lobbied to import the commodity, arguing they had established supply networks compared to traders. They milled 63,075 tonnes of sugar last month, which is the highest local output since January 2023. “Total sugar produced (bagged) in February 2024 was 63,075 tonnes, four ...

Source: Businessdailyafrica