More Ample Sugar Supply in U.S.

WASHINGTON - Dec 9/05 - SNS -- Supplies of sugar will be ample in the United States in 2005-06 than initially expected in the face of improved sugar beet crops and higher imports, according to the latest report from the USDA's World Agricultural Outlook Board.

Projected U.S. sugar supply for 2005-06 is increased 728,000 short tons, raw value, from last month. Production is increased 146,000 tons, mainly due to higher beet sugar production, based on processors' reports compiled by the Farm Service Agency.

Imports are increased 590,000 tons, mostly due to higher tariff rate quota (TRQ) imports. Shortfall in filling the TRQ is increased 15,000 tons. Imports of high-tier sugar from Mexico are increased 130,000 tons while other non-program imports are increased 25,000 tons. Use is unchanged and ending stocks are increased to 1.4 million tons, or 13.4% of use.

For 2004/05, revisions to preliminary year-end data from processors result in supply increasing 35,000 tons and use increasing 43,000 tons. Ending stocks are decreased to 1.35 million tons, or 12.8% of use.

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