The supply of sugar in the market was ensured despite the raw material being ‘controlled’ in the last few months. But the import of sugar decreased significantly in December as compared to October-November. According to Bangladesh Bank, the import of raw sugar was around 164,000 tonnes in October, while only 69,000 tonnes were imported in December.
Sugar mills established during the British and Pakistani era depend on local raw materials but their productivity is low due to lack of modernisation. While the demand for sugar is around 2 million tonnes per annum, the country produces only 30,000 to 35,000 thousand tonnes. Mainly five companies control the market of imported sugar. In the new year also, the Chinese market has again become volatile due to the global market situation and internal factors.