The Sweetener Users Association (SUA) represents American food companies who use sugar to make the products U.S. consumers know and love.
Washington, DC
Joined November 2017
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The increase in high-tier sugar imports does not reflect insufficient tariff levels. Rather, they are the predictable result of ongoing policy failures to increase TRQs in line with market realities and policy priorities, as outlined in the #OBBBA.
Timely government decision-making can help reduce reliance on high-tier imports and ensure the U.S. sugar program works more effectively for all stakeholders.
sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
The United States has always been a net importer of sugar because domestic production does not fully meet demand.
Imports are not optional. They are an essential part of ensuring reliable supplies for U.S. food manufacturers and consumers.
Learn more: sweetenerusers.org/u-s-sugar…
Connect with hundreds of professionals and decision-makers from across the sweetener industry at the 2027 International Sweetener Colloquium.
Join SUA and @dairyidfa in Palm Springs, Feb. 21–24, to discuss the trends and policies shaping the global sweetener market.
Register today: idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
The Sweetener Users Association submitted the following letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden to reiterate its support for a reallocation of the raw sugar tariff-rate quota (TRQ), citing dramatically higher raw and refined sugar prices, growing concerns about this year’s sugarbeet crop, and multiple sugar sellers withdrawing from the market and declining to enter new sales contracts. sweetenerusers.org/2026/10/2…
Sweetener Users Association retweeted
What will the economy look like in 2027, and what will it mean for your business? Register today and learn more: idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
Join this timely session for an in-depth look at the economic forces shaping markets, consumers and the business environment. From persistent inflation and evolving labor dynamics to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and growing national debt concerns, our speaker will examine the trends influencing growth, investment and decision-making. Gain practical insights into the opportunities and risks ahead and leave better prepared to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leading economic expert and connect with industry peers at the 2027 International Sweetener Colloquium.
@SweetenerUsers
Much of the sugar imported to the United States as “refined” still requires additional processing before food manufacturers can use it.
Updating outdated purity standards as the #OBBBA authorized @USDA to do can reduce unnecessary costs and help ensure imported refined sugar is ready for immediate use.
Read more in our issue brief: sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
The @USGAO cites studies that show the U.S. sugar program costs consumers and food companies up to $3.5 billion annually while contributing to job losses in sugar-using industries. In 2023, the agency urged @USDA and @USTR to pursue market-oriented reforms.
Read the GAO’s recommendations: gao.gov/products/gao-24-1061…
Registration is open for the 2027 International Sweetener Colloquium, co-hosted by SUA and @dairyidfa.
Join sweetener industry leaders and sweetener-using companies in Palm Springs, CA, Feb. 21–24, for the latest policy insights, market trends and research.
Register today: idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
The increase in high-tier sugar imports does not reflect insufficient tariff levels. Rather, they are the predictable result of ongoing policy failures to increase TRQs in line with market realities and policy priorities, as outlined in the #OBBBA.
Timely government decision-making can help reduce reliance on high-tier imports and ensure the U.S. sugar program works more effectively for all stakeholders.
sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
High-tier sugar imports are a symptom of supply shortfalls, not inadequate tariffs.
When regular import quotas go unfilled, @USDA should promptly reallocate them to countries able to supply the market. That can reduce reliance on costly high-tier imports and improve market stability.
Read more: sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
U.S. import rules classify sugar at 99.5 polarity as “refined,” but many food manufacturers need 99.8–99.9. That gap means additional processing, higher costs and unnecessary supply chain inefficiencies. It’s time to ensure “refined” sugar is actually refined.
Learn more: sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
In 2023, @USGAO urged @USDA and @USTR to modernize the U.S. sugar program with market-oriented fixes, citing studies showing that the sugar program leads to job losses in sugar-using industries and costs up to $3.5B a year for U.S. food companies and consumers. gao.gov/products/gao-24-1061…
Sweetener Users Association retweeted
We are excited to announce that Jake Sherman, founder of @PunchbowlNews and one of Washington's leading political journalists, will be a keynote speaker at the 2027 International Sweetener Colloquium!
Register today and join us to gain valuable insights into the people, policies and politics shaping the future in Washington. Register: idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
@SweetenerUsers
High-tier sugar imports have risen but not because tariffs are too low.
The rise reflects supply shortages and limited quota access. More responsive tariff-rate quota (TRQ) administration can help reduce reliance on high-tier imports:
sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
SUA supports a strong domestic sugar industry, but U.S. production alone cannot meet demand.
More responsive import quotas can help ensure reliable supplies for U.S. food manufacturers and lower costs for American consumers.
sweetenerusers.org/u-s-sugar…
Much of the “refined” sugar imported to the United States isn’t refined enough for immediate use. It requires extra processing that adds to consumer prices. Updating outdated sugar purity standards would ensure refined sugar imports are truly refined.
Learn more: sweetenerusers.org/wp-conten…
According to @USGAO, the U.S. sugar program costs the economy about $1 billion/year because the higher sugar prices it imposes on consumers outweigh producer benefits.
Read @USGAO’s roadmap to reform: gao.gov/products/gao-24-1061…
Register Today! Registrations are now open for the 2027 International Sweetener Colloquium, co-hosted by SUA and @dairyidfa.
Join hundreds of professionals and decisionmakers from the sweetener industry and sweetener-using companies in Palm Springs, CA, Feb 21-24, 2027: idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
The global sweetener industry's premier event is back!
Join hundreds of industry leaders, decision-makers, and customers February 21-24, 2027, in Palm Springs, California, for the 47th annual International Sweetener Colloquium. 🌴 ☀️
There's no better place to build relationships, expand your network and stay ahead of emerging trends. Register now to take advantage of discounted rates! 👇
idfa.org/events/2027-interna…
Sugar is an essential ingredient in many everyday foods— from peanut butter to pasta sauce. Policies that promote reliable sugar supplies can help keep costs down for U.S. manufacturers and consumers.
In 2023, @USGAO urged market-oriented reforms to the U.S. sugar program, citing costs of ~$3.5B annually for consumers and food companies.
In 2025 in the #OBBBA, Congress called for more responsive tariff-rate quota (TRQ) administration. Increasing or reallocating quotas can help ensure adequate supplies at reasonable prices.
