It is reported by BusinessMirror.

Preliminary data released by the SRA showed that raw-sugar production from September 1, 2017 to April 1 amounted to 31,869 million 50-kilogram bags (Lkg), from 35,75 million Lkg posted in the previous crop year.

During the reference period, the country’s total raw-sugar demand reached 1,333 million tonnes, 8.44 percent higher than the 1,229 million tonnes recorded a year ago. Of the total raw-sugar demand, 82,22 percent, or 1,096 million tonnes, was for domestic consumption. The figure is 4,37 percent lower than the 1,146 million tonnes recorded during the same period last year.

The government-owned and -controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture estimated local sugar demand for the current CY, which will end on August 31, at 2,17 million tonnes.

Refined sugar production during the period expanded by 5,04 percent to 601 077.5 tonnes, from 572 234.05 tonnes recorded during the week ending April 2, 2017.

Demand for refined sugar for the current year was pegged at 631 341.85 tonnes, 23,53 percent higher than last year’s 511 072.55 tonnes.

The volume of sugarcane milled during the week ending April 1 reached 18,274 million tonnes, 7,88 percent lower than the 19,838 million tonnes recorded last year.

Milling recovery rate in the current year to date was pegged at 1,75 Lkg per MT, 3,85 percent lower than the previous year’s 1,82 Lkg per tonn.

The SRA estimated that total sugar output in CY 2017-2018 would reach 2,27 million tonnes.