ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: In a major revision of its sugar procurement strategy, Pakistan has reduced its planned sugar import volume from 300,000 metric tons to just 50,000 metric tons and extended the deadline for bid submissions by four days. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) announced the amendments through a corrigendum issued on July 14, modifying key terms of the tender that was originally floated on July 11.
The earlier tender had sought international bids for importing 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons of white refined sugar, with a submission deadline of July 18. This followed the federal government’s July 8 approval of importing 500,000 tons of sugar to curb rising prices in the domestic market. However, the latest corrigendum significantly scales down the volume to 50,000 tons (±5%) and pushes the bid deadline to July 22, 2025.
The sugar can be sourced from any global origin and must be packed in bags, with a minimum bid size of 25,000 metric tons. Shipments are required to commence in August, and all consignments must arrive in Pakistan no later than September 30.
The corrigendum also introduces revised sugar grade specifications, in accordance with a Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) notification dated July 9. Both small and medium grain sizes are now permitted under the updated criteria.
Industry observers have noted that the abrupt cut in the tender volume, despite earlier government approval for half a million tons, raises questions about policy consistency. Some analysts suggest the rollback may be linked to financing constraints or evolving stock assessments. Others believe political sensitivities around large-scale commodity imports during a period of economic strain may have influenced the change.
The decision in import of sugar from 300,000 to 50,000 tons is being seen as a potential shift in government import policy after sever criticism from public and media.
