HS Code:
The category described in additional U.S. note 9 to chapter 17 pertains to specific sugar and sugar-containing products entered pursuant to special provisions under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States. Chapter 17 generally covers sugars and sugar confectionery, and this specific note often relates to quota allocations or special tariff treatments for sugar imports under trade agreements or specific regulatory provisions. This category is critical for managing sugar trade to balance domestic production and international trade obligations, often tied to agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or other bilateral deals.
Total Trade Volume
1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United States International Trade Commission (USITC) and World Trade Organization (WTO) data
750,000 metric tons
62.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
200,000 metric tons
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
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
Increasing
70,000 metric tons
5.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.1 cents per kilogram
Highest Rate
33.9 cents per kilogram (out-of-quota rate)
Lowest Rate
0 cents per kilogram (under specific trade agreements or quotas)
Increased demand for raw sugar due to domestic shortages
Higher reliance on imports from quota-allocated countries like Mexico, leading to tighter supply chains and price volatility.
2022
Shift toward alternative sweeteners
Reduced long-term demand for traditional sugar imports, affecting trade volumes under this category.
2021
Strengthening of USMCA provisions
Enhanced market access for Mexican sugar, stabilizing trade flows but increasing competition for other exporters.
2020
The U.S. increased Mexico's sugar export quota under the USMCA to address domestic supply shortages, allowing an additional 100,000 metric tons duty-free.
March 2023
Strengthened bilateral trade with Mexico but raised concerns among other exporters about market share loss.
A WTO panel reviewed complaints from Brazil regarding U.S. sugar import restrictions and quota allocations, seeking greater market access.
October 2022
Potential changes to quota allocations could reshape trade patterns for this category in the coming years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a review of sugar import policies to balance domestic producer interests with international commitments.
January 2023
Possible revisions to tariff-rate quotas and provisions under additional U.S. note 9, affecting import volumes.