Overview
- The decree took effect Nov. 11, setting ad valorem rates of 156% and 210.44% on most sugar imports from WTO members, with exceptions for partners under trade agreements.
- Liquid refined and inverted sugar face the 210.44% rate, while many cane and beet sugar categories are set at 156%, replacing prior specific dollar‑per‑kilogram quotas.
- Officials cite falling global prices, domestic over‑supply and an unusual import surge since 2023 as the rationale, noting imports now equal about 4% of consumption after peaking near 15%.
- Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard described the move as an update to rates frozen since 2014, and the decision carries the opinion of the Foreign Trade Commission.
- Major producer groups publicly backed the measure, which the government says aims to stabilize the market and safeguard rural employment with limited price effects expected.