The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), on Wednesday, announced an extension on restriction on export of all varieties of sugar beyond October 31, according to a notification.
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"This restriction is not applicable to sugar being exported to EU and USA under CXL and TRQ quota as per prescribed procedure in the respective public notices," said the notification.
India, which was the world's second-largest sugar exporter last year, had categorized sugar as restricted until October 31, 2023, aiming to prevent unregulated sugar exports and ensure an ample supply of sugar for domestic consumption at affordable prices.
India permitted sugar mills to export a limited 6.1 million tonnes of sugar in the ongoing season, concluding on September 30. This comes after allowing them to sell a record 11.1 million tonnes in the previous season.
The top sugarcane-producing regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, which contribute significantly to India's total sugar production, have experienced monsoon rains up to 50% below the average for this year, as reported by the weather department.
According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), sugar production in India is anticipated to decrease by 3.3 percent to reach 31.7 million tonnes in the 2023/24 season. The most recent instance of India imposing a 20 percent tax on sugar exports to restrain international sales dates back to 2016.