South Africa Weighs Tighter Curbs on Sugar Imports

Pretoria is considering further restrictions after raising the sugar import duty in August, as imports climb sharply in 2026.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in International Trade

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of stacked plain sugar sacks beside shipping containers and a distant cane field, depicting pressure on sugar imports. — South Africa is weighing tighter curbs on sugar imports after raising the import duty to R6.97 per kilogram in August, as imports jumped to 94,984 tonnes in January-May 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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South Africa is considering additional restrictions on sugar imports after raising the import duty from R4.83 to R6.97 per kilogram in August 2026, a higher rate that is already in force. Imports reached 94,984 tonnes between January and May 2026, up from 55,213 tonnes in the same period last year.

Why it matters

The government is seeking to stabilise the domestic sugar industry, which faced production disruptions during the peak season. Imported sugar competition cost the domestic industry R1.6 billion during the 2025/26 season.

Sugar imports rose to 94,984 tonnes between January and May 2026, compared with 55,213 tonnes in the same period a year earlier, according to official import figures. Whether further restrictions will follow the August duty increase has not yet been determined.

The players

South African Sugar Association

The industry body representing sugar growers and millers in South Africa, which requested a higher reference price for the import duty.

Beverage Association of South Africa

The trade body representing beverage manufacturers, which sought a reduction in the sugar import duty.

USDA Pretoria office

The United States Department of Agriculture's office in Pretoria, which lowered its estimate of South Africa's sugar production and reduced its import forecast.

The details

The import duty was raised from R4.83 to R6.97 per kilogram, with the government fixing the reference price used to calculate it at US$785 per tonne. The South African Sugar Association had requested a reference price of US$905 per tonne, while the Beverage Association of South Africa sought a reduction in the duty.

January to May 2026: South Africa imported 94,984 tonnes of sugar.
August 2026: The sugar import duty was raised from R4.83 to R6.97 per kilogram.
Peak season 2026: A strike halted cane crushing for several weeks.
30 October 2026: A growers' dialogue was held in Mzinti.

Market Dynamics

The USDA Pretoria office reduced its import forecast after the tariff increase, reflecting how the duty change is expected to curb inflows. Fuel-blending ethanol, sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics and electricity generation are being considered as alternative uses for sugarcane.

Companies that import sugar or rely on it as an ingredient may face higher input costs following the duty increase. Domestic sugar producers may see reduced import competition if the proposed restrictions are adopted.

The takeaway

Import duties are a direct lever on sugar prices and supply, so changes to the reference price or tariff rate can quickly affect both producers and buyers. Readers tracking the sector should watch for the outcome of the government's review of additional restrictions.