Mexico imported 44,000 metric tons of sugar during the October 2025 to September 2026 marketing year, a 75.1% decline from the previous cycle, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The USDA linked the drop to tariffs on sugar from countries without a trade agreement with Mexico, which can reach as high as 210%, as well as lower domestic sugar prices.
For the 2026-2027 cycle, the agency expects imports to decline another 31.8% to roughly 30,000 metric tons. If that projection holds, purchases would return to levels seen before drought-related production problems in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons.
The outlook also points to lower imports of high-fructose corn syrup as domestic sweetener supplies improve.
Mexico has also tightened controls on sugar imports by introducing prior permit requirements for selected tariff classifications.
Domestic production, local prices, and trade policy are expected to remain key factors shaping import demand during the new marketing year.
Source: MVS Noticias
