As sugar prices continue their upward climb in Pakistan, the government has once again stepped into the international market in a bid to stabilize supplies. The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), the state-run procurement agency, has floated a fresh global tender for 100,000 metric tons of white refined sugar, according to European trade sources.
New Tender Reflects Shifting Strategy
The new tender, announced this week, comes with a submission deadline of August 11. Traders interpret this move as a clear signal that Pakistan will not proceed with a previous tender issued on July 31 for the same volume. That earlier bid attracted just three participants, with the most competitive offer priced at $539 per ton (cost and freight included).
Before that, a July 22 tender for 50,000 tons failed to attract any offers at all—largely due to an unrealistic shipment window of August 1–15, which traders described as unworkable.
Government Ramps Up Imports Amid Soaring Prices
The flurry of tenders is part of a broader import plan approved by Pakistan’s government on July 8, which allows for the import of up to 500,000 tons of sugar. The urgency stems from a noticeable spike in domestic sugar prices, which analysts say have surged sharply since the start of the year, straining household budgets and raising inflationary concerns.
Shipment Details and Restrictions
According to the latest tender documents, TCP is seeking both small/fine and medium-grade sugar from global suppliers—though imports from India and Israel remain off-limits. The sugar must be packed in bags and delivered either via breakbulk shipments or ocean containers.
For breakbulk cargo, delivery is split into two windows: September 1–15 and September 10–25, with 50,000 tons scheduled in each. Shipments via containers can arrive any time between September 1 and 20. In all cases, the imported sugar must reach Pakistan by October 20.
A Market Under Pressure
The renewed push to secure sugar abroad underscores the country’s ongoing struggle to manage domestic supply and demand. With inflation already a major issue for Pakistan’s economy, the government’s attempt to curb food price volatility through imports is a stopgap measure—but one that could ease pressure on the local market if executed swiftly.
Whether this latest tender draws stronger interest from suppliers remains to be seen, but with clearer timelines and a larger import plan in play, traders are more likely to respond this time around.
