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Just 1,908 MT of sugar imported by India from Pakistan until May 14
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Friday, 18 May, 2018, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
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The import of sugar from Pakistan in financial year (FY) 2018-19 (until May 14, 2018) was just 1,908 metric tonne (MT) for a value of $0.657 million. This was clarified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. In 2017-18, there was an import of 13,110 MT for a value of $4.68 million.
Import of sugar from Pakistan
This import must be seen in the overall context that the total annual sugar production of India was about 31.90 million MT in Sugar Season (SS) 2017-18. Further, India exported 1.75 million MT in 2017-18.
In April-May 2018, the total export of sugar was 2,40,093 MT. Thus, import from Pakistan was very miniscule as compared to the total production in the country and the exports from India. Further, it was reported that the Government of Pakistan provided cash freight subsidy of Rs 10.7 per kg on sugar.
Sugar import policy
At present, the import of sugar is free with a customs duty of 100 per cent. There is no Pakistan-specific restriction on the import of any item to India.
India is under the World Trade Organization (WTO) obligation of most favoured nation (MFN) treatment (equal and non-discriminatory treatment to all countries) for all WTO member countries, including Pakistan.
Imports
Value-wise, in the year 2016-17, total import of sugar was $1,019 million and it declined to $934 million in 2017-18. In April and May 2018, the total import of sugar has been $37.75 million.
Quantity-wise, in the year 2016-17, the total import of sugar was 2.14 million MT and it marginally increased to 2.40 million MT in 2017-18. In April and May 2018, the total import of sugar was 1,16,512 MT.
Sugar is mostly imported from Brazil
Sugar, if imported under Advanced Authorisation, is meant for export only and not for domestic sale.
For making customs duty payment, importers can use Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) scrips.
These scrips are either received from Government against exports as export incentives. Alternatively, importers can purchase them from other exporters as these scrips are free tradable.
Quality checks on import of sugar from Pakistan
The ministry requested Customs to carry out rigorous inspections as well as sampling for quality testing in FSSAI labs of sugar imports, particularly in Mumbai and Wagah.
Exports
Quantity-wise, in the year 2016-17, total export of sugar was 2.54 million MT, and it decreased to 1.75 million MT in 2017-18. In April and May 2018, the total export of sugar was 2,40,093 MT.
Value-wise, in the year 2016-17, total export of sugar was $1,285 million and it declined to $805 million in 2017-18. In April and May 2018, the total export of sugar was $91 million.
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