The UK government announced on December 17 that it will maintain the zero-quota tariff for 260 thousand tons of raw cane sugar. Unica (The Brazilian Sugarcane Association) says that the measure may favor Brazil as a supplier. According to the Association, the quota rate of 0% was preceded by a public consultation in which the Brazilian productive sector took part. The tariff increases access to a market mostly supplied by the European Union. “At a time when all countries are looking for partners to guarantee sustainable productive chains, Brazil is a privileged supplier,” said the executive director of Unica, Eduardo Leão de Sousa. The quota will apply for 12 months and comes into effect in January 1, 2021. So far, the tariff applied to imported sugar by UK is the same as that of the European Union, of 339 euros per ton. In the year-to-date to October, Brazil exported 186 thousand tons of sugar to Britain, more than doubled over 2019 (79 thousand tons). “It is worth mentioning that the volume of 260 thousand tons exempt from tariffs will be filled on a quarterly basis by any country, respecting the order of arrival,” added Sousa.
Sources: Reuters / Notícias Agrícolas
*Translated by Ia Niani