Sugar mills body seeks early exports and deregulation of industry

The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) has called for early sugar exports and for deregulation of the sugar industry. The demands came at its general body meeting on Wednesday, 11 November, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan and Daily Pakistan.

The meeting was held at the same time in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad. Mill owners from across the country attended in large numbers, including those from Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Participants discussed the present state of the industry, especially the large surplus stocks of sugar in the country. Daily Pakistan reported that mill owners said the government has not yet allowed export of the agreed quota despite promises.

According to the same report, about 1.1 million metric tonnes of surplus sugar remains in the country even after permission for 200,000 tonnes. Mill owners said they cannot run their mills under current conditions.

Members agreed that, given the stock situation, the 2026-27 crushing season cannot begin before December.

The association demanded permission to export 400,000 metric tonnes of surplus sugar. It also asked for immediate issuance of the long-pending policy to deregulate the sugar sector. The meeting said the policy has become necessary because another large surplus is expected by the end of the 2026-27 crushing season.

The executive committee was given full powers to approach the government with these demands and to hold talks with government representatives on all problems facing sugar mills. It was also proposed that the association write formally to the Deputy Prime Minister and seek a meeting with him.

Sugar mill owners will hold a press conference in Lahore on 16 November 2026 to decide the next course of action. The association said it hopes the government will resolve the issues as soon as possible.