South African Canegrowers Warn About Rising Sugar Imports and the Risk to Rural Jobs

Rising sugar imports are placing intense pressure on South Africa’s sugar industry. South African Canegrowers has warned that rural jobs and local production face serious risk as foreign sugar continues to enter the country at record levels. The organisation is urging consumers to choose local sugar through its Save Our Sugar campaign.

More than 70 000 South Africans have already pledged to use locally produced sugar. This public support reflects growing concern about the impact of cheap imports on farmers in KwaZulu Natal and Mpumalanga. These regions depend on sugarcane for income, seasonal work and small business activity.

The chairman of South African Canegrowers, Higgins Mdluli, said the support is encouraging, yet the challenge remains severe. He noted that sugar imports continue to rise at levels not seen before. The organisation’s latest review of data from the South African Revenue Services shows that 153 344 tons of subsidised foreign sugar entered the country from January to September this year. During the same period in 2020, imports reached only 20 924 tons. The previous record was 55 213 tons in 2024.

Local growers produce enough sugar to meet national demand. The industry can supply households, food manufacturers and retailers without relying on imports. Cheap foreign sugar reduces market prices and disrupts the income of producers who already face high costs for fertiliser, transport and labour.

The industry has also voiced concern about further pressure from the Health Promotion Levy. Producers argue that unpredictable tax increases place additional strain on farmers who are already battling competition from subsidised imports.

The Save Our Sugar campaign highlights the link between consumer choices and rural stability. When local sugar is bought, the value stays in South Africa. It supports farmers, mill workers and transport operators. It strengthens small businesses in rural towns. It keeps land under active production and protects seasonal jobs.

South African Canegrowers is calling for stronger action to stabilise the market. The organisation wants tighter monitoring of imports, stronger support for local growers and policies that protect rural economies.

The industry warns that the impact of rising imports will deepen if the current trend continues. Reduced income for growers will lead to lower production. Mills will face pressure. Rural communities will lose jobs and economic activity.