Author Description

Projected U.S. sugar supply for fiscal year (FY) 2013 is down 2.4 percent from FY 2012, as lower imports more than offset higher production and beginning stocks. Higher beet sugar production reflects higher area and trend yields, while cane sugar production is nearly unchanged from a year earlier. Imports under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) reflect the minimum of U.S. commitments to import raw and refined sugar and the projected shortfall. The Secretary of Agriculture will establish the TRQ at a later date. Imports from Mexico are up, mainly due to higher production in Mexico. Total use is up 1 percent.