SUGAR: The State suspends imports again from November

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announces the cessation of sugar imports for a period of eight to nine months, in order to favor national production while ensuring price stability.

Sugar imports will be stopped again from November 2026. This is what the Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced in a press release signed by Minister Dr Serigne Guèye Diop, published to provide clarifications following recent measures relating to the opening of the market.

According to the document, this suspension is planned for a period of eight to nine months. The exact period will be adjusted according to the evolution of local production and real market needs. The ministry recalls that imports had already been suspended from November 2025 to August 2026.

As soon as the industrial activities of the Senegalese Sugar Company (CSS) are effectively resumed, the ministry will stop the import declarations for food products (DIPA).

The ministry says it is “fully aware” of the price gap between locally produced sugar and relatively cheaper imported sugar. This difference, which complicates the transition between the two products, is subject to careful monitoring. The objective, underlines the text, is to protect the purchasing power of households while supporting the national industrial tool.

The ministry also welcomes the constructive spirit which prevailed during discussions with CSS management and the social partners. It calls on all stakeholders to demonstrate responsibility to guarantee the continuity of market supply and the serenity of the social climate.

The department says it remains determined to guarantee equitable access to sugar for all citizens, throughout the national territory.