ENCA JOHANNESBURG - Local sugar producers are seeking tariff protection against imports. The South African Sugar Association wants to double the tariffs on imported sugar. If the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa, accepts the tariff proposals, this could raise the price of sugar imports from 3,560 to 7,500 and R97 per ton. But importers have already slammed the application, saying this will result in substantial increases in staple foods such as bread, cereal and sweets. The price of a 2.5kg bag of sugar has already increased more than 60 percent in the last five years. Local Poultry farmers were recently granted increased tariff protection against cheaper chicken imports. |