The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a new tender for the import of 1,00,000 tons of sugar, despite objections from local sugar mill owners who claim domestic stocks are sufficient. The move aims to stabilize the domestic sugar supply and meet growing market demand, even as critics argue that imports may depress local prices.
The latest tender will be opened on October 6, 2025, with strict conditions requiring any bid to be at least 25,000 tons. This ensures that only serious and substantial offers are considered, preventing fragmentation in the bidding process. The step follows the first tender opened on September 23, 2025, which also sought to import 1,00,000 tons of sugar.
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According to tender documents, sugar import prices range between $534.75 and $568.50 per metric ton. The lowest bid in the previous tender came from Louis Drefus Company of Switzerland at $534.75 per metric ton, highlighting strong international interest in supplying Pakistan with sugar.
The federal cabinet had earlier approved the import of a total of five lakh tons of sugar in July 2025. The government designated the TCP as the official agency to manage these imports, aiming to ensure timely supply and avoid price spikes during high-demand periods.
Additionally, the federal government announced an exemption on sugar imports, facilitating smoother procurement and reducing regulatory hurdles for foreign suppliers. This move is expected to encourage competitive bids, ensuring the government secures the most favorable prices for domestic consumption.
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Despite these efforts, owners of local sugar mills have criticized the decision, arguing that Pakistan currently has adequate sugar reserves. They warn that additional imports could negatively affect domestic producers and disrupt the local sugar market, raising questions about long-term industry sustainability.