India bans sugar exports through Sept 2026 as closing stocks hit record-low 3.5-3.8 mt

DGFT halts sugar exports immediately to protect domestic supply, with exemptions only for EU/US quotas and Advance Authorization. ISMA flags 0.75 mt of unshipped contracts at risk despite 28 mt net production forecast. Closing stocks projected at just 1.5 months of demand.

— Filed Thu, 14 May, 2026, 21:27 IST · Source BL · Consumer & Economy · Updated

India bans sugar exports immediately through September 30, 2026 to stabilize domestic prices, with exemptions for EU/US quota shipments and Advance Authorization Scheme. Closing stocks projected at record-low 3.5-3.8 mt; ISMA warns of contract honoring challenges.

Why this matters

The export ban locks in domestic sugar supply for FMCG and QSR cost lines, extending a recent pattern of supply-side interventions alongside the Centre's 16 measures and ₹2.55 lakh crore ECLGS 5.0 credit push.

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