HS Code:
The category described in Additional U.S. Note 8 to Chapter 17 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) pertains to specific sugar and sugar-containing products. This note typically addresses special provisions for sugar imports under certain conditions or agreements, such as tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) or specific country allocations. Products under this category are subject to unique entry requirements and are often linked to trade agreements or domestic agricultural policies aimed at regulating sugar supply and protecting domestic industries.
Total Trade Volume
1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United States International Trade Commission (USITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO) data
450,000 metric tons
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
300,000 metric tons
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
150,000 metric tons
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
80,000 metric tons
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.1 cents per kilogram (under TRQ, higher rates apply beyond quota)
Highest Rate
35.74 cents per kilogram (out-of-quota rate for raw cane sugar)
Lowest Rate
0 cents per kilogram (under specific trade agreements like USMCA)
Increased demand for organic and specialty sugars
Drives higher imports from countries with certified organic production, such as Brazil and Paraguay
2021-2022
Fluctuations in global sugar prices due to weather impacts
Affects trade volumes, with higher imports during price dips and reduced imports during price surges
2020-2022
Shift towards regional trade agreements
Strengthens trade with USMCA partners like Mexico, reducing dependency on other global suppliers
2020-2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an increase in TRQ allocations for raw cane sugar imports to address domestic shortages, with additional quotas allocated to Brazil and the Dominican Republic.
March 2023
Expected to increase import volumes by 10% for the fiscal year, stabilizing domestic sugar prices.
Negotiations under the USMCA led to revised terms for Mexican sugar exports to the U.S., ensuring a balanced supply while protecting U.S. producers from market flooding.
June 2022
Maintains stable trade relations with Mexico, ensuring predictable import volumes.
Extreme weather events in key sugar-producing regions like Brazil and India have led to reduced global supply, prompting the U.S. to temporarily relax import restrictions under emergency provisions.
October 2022
Short-term increase in imports from alternative suppliers, though at higher out-of-quota tariff rates.