...the sweet country

Philippines set to become sugar exporter in Southeast Asia August 19, 2011 (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippines is set to become a sugar exporter in the region and is poised to export 300,000 metric tons (MT) of raw and refined sugar this crop year after a bumper sugarcane harvest, an official said today.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said with a substantial harvest of 2.39 million metric tons (MT) or 21.3 percent more than last year, "The country is on the way to regaining its previous distinction as a net sugar exporter. This may very well be the start of the country producing more than enough to meet its domestic requirements and quota obligations," Alcala said in a press release today.

Alcala added that the country may no longer import sugar and instead be a major sugar supplier in Southeast Asia.

The supply of raw sugar increased five-fold to more than 623, 500 MT due to lesser sugar consumption and a good harvest, while domestic consumption for refined sugar dramatically dropped to 655, 840 MT, 31 percent less than last year, leaving a balance of more than 300,000 MT.

Alcala said the Philippines remains confident to maintain a high level of production of at least 2.4 million MT of raw sugar.

"We look forward to building from these gains next year, as more farms are planted and program interventions continue for crop year 2011-2012," he said.