Pakistan receives offers in tender for 100,000 tonnes of white sugar
Business
TCP’s earlier tender for 50,000 tonnes in July reportedly drew no offers
KARACHI (Web Desk) – The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has received multiple offers in its latest international tender to purchase 100,000 tonnes of white refined sugar, traders said on Monday.
The move comes after the government approved the import of 500,000 tonnes of sugar on July 8 to help curb soaring retail prices, which have climbed sharply since January. TCP’s earlier tender for 50,000 tonnes in July reportedly drew no offers.
Initial assessments suggest the lowest bid in the new tender was $539 per tonne (cost and freight included), submitted by ED&F Man for 50,000 tonnes of fine-grade sugar from any origin.
Other reported offers include: Dreyfus: $580.75 per tonne c&f for 25,000 tonnes of fine-grade sugar from any origin, Al Khaleej Sugar: $586.00 per tonne c&f for 30,000 tonnes of medium-grade sugar from the UAE and Bare: $555.00 per tonne c&f for medium-grade sugar and $550.00 per tonne c&f for fine-grade sugar, both from Brazil.
The tender excludes imports from India and Israel. Shipments are required to arrive in Pakistan by October 20, with breakbulk cargo of 50,000 tonnes to be shipped between September 1–15, and the remainder between September 10–25. Container shipments are allowed between September 1–20.
No purchase has been confirmed yet, and bids remain under review. The previous tender for 100,000 tonnes on July 31 also saw the lowest offer at $539 per tonne c&f but ended without a deal.
Meanwhile, traders say policy inconsistencies remain a concern. In FY25, Pakistan exported 765,734 tonnes of sugar worth $411 million (averaging $537 per tonne), compared to just 33,101 tonnes worth $21 million in FY24.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan is currently hearing a cartelisation case involving 79 sugar mills and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, amid tighter government monitoring of sugar stocks.
