SA Canegrowers has raised the alarm over rising job losses linked to the influx of low-cost sugar imports, which are putting pressure on local producers struggling to remain competitive, according to the local media.
Higgins Mdluli, recently re-elected as chairman of SA Canegrowers, highlighted the significant challenges facing the industry. Chief among them is the growing threat posed by unfair international trade practices.
He said, “Foreign sugar is currently entering South Africa at prices below the cost of production and below the global sugar price, owing to some foreign governments either heavily subsidising their industries or countries dumping their excess sugar at a loss.”
According to Mdluli, local growers are losing approximately R6,000 in revenue for every ton of sugar imported, which has serious implications for the sustainability of sugarcane farming and associated jobs.
He warned that South African producers cannot compete with such low prices, especially as they also contend with other challenges, including volatile weather, mill shutdowns, and the ongoing impact of the sugar tax.
“These cheap imports threaten the economic viability of sugarcane farming and jeopardise hundreds of thousands of jobs across the value chain, from cane fields to milling operations and distribution networks,” he said, according to the news report by Daily Investor.
Mdluli stressed that rural communities in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga are particularly vulnerable, as both large-scale and smallholder farmers in these areas rely heavily on the sugar industry for employment and economic stability.
He added that the issue isn’t a matter of supply shortage, as South Africa currently produces enough sugar to meet the demand of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
“South African canegrowers urgently need protection from unfairly priced imports and sugar dumping,” Mdluli urged. “We call on government, industry stakeholders, commercial users, and consumers to support local sugarcane farmers.”
“Our growers are vital to building an inclusive and resilient agricultural economy. But for that to continue, they must be able to compete on fair terms,” he added.
Looking ahead, Mdluli said SA Canegrowers is committed to working with all stakeholders on the next phase of the Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan 2030 to ensure long-term stability and growth in the sector.
