PHL sugar output to hit 2.25 MMT.

Philippine sugar production for the current marketing year ending on November 30 could go up to 2.25 million metric tonnes from 2.135 MMT recorded a year ago. The hike in output would be due to favorable weather and the slight expansion in sugarcane areas. Sugarcane production area in crop year 2016-2017 increased to 419,000 hectares from 412,000 hectares in the previous current year. Domestic consumption of cane sugar in marketing year 2016-17 would increase to 2.2 MMT, or 2.8% higher than the recorded consumption volume of 2.14 MMT in previous market year. Due to expansion of the food processing beverage manufacturing sector, demand for sugar and sugar substitutes is anticipated to increase. Philippine sugar imports in marketing year 2016-17 would settle at around 100,000 metric tons, 56.5% lower than the 230,000 MT imported in 2015-16.