Govt slashes sugar import plan amid strategic reassessment

The federal government’s sugar import strategy suffered a notable setback right at the start, as the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) abruptly withdrew its previously issued tender for the import of 300,000 metric tonnes of sugar.
 The decision marks a significant scale-down in the government’s initial plan to stabilise sugar supply in the domestic market.
In place of the withdrawn tender, TCP has now issued a revised tender for the import of 50,000 metric tonnes.
 According to the new notice, international suppliers have been invited to submit bids by July 22.
The move indicates a sudden shift in the government's approach to sugar procurement, raising questions about planning, market assessment, and logistical readiness.
 While the revised tender is now active, it reflects a more cautious and limited step compared to the original high-volume import plan.