Pakistan revises its international tender for sugar import


Pakistan’s Trading Corporation has cut its sugar import tender from 300,000 to 50,000 metric tons, delaying the bid deadline to July 22, 2025. The revision follows a corrigendum adjusting quantity, bid date, and quality specs. Analysts link the move to IMF concerns over tax exemptions, despite earlier approval to import 500,000 tons to ease price pressure.
In line with federal government directives, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has significantly reduced its international sugar import tender from 300,000 metric tons to just 50,000 metric tons.
The state-run grain procurement agency had initially floated a tender on July 11 for the import of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, with a deadline for bids set for July 18, 2025. However, in a recent corrigendum, TCP announced key amendments, including a cut in the import volume, adjustments to import specifications, and a change in the bid opening date.
According to the revised tender, the import quantity now stands at 50,000 metric tons. “The words ‘300,000 metric tons’ appearing under Tender No. 1 shall now be read as ‘50,000 metric tons’,” stated the corrigendum issued by TCP.
The tender opening date has also been pushed back by four days. It will now be opened on July 22, 2025, instead of the previously scheduled July 18. “The date of opening of tender appearing as July 18, 2025, in paragraph No. 2 and paragraph No. 4 shall now be read as July 22, 2025,” the notice read.
In addition, TCP has revised the quality specifications for the sugar being imported. Where the earlier tender specified only “Medium Grade” sugar, the updated version now allows bids for both “Small (Fine)” and “Medium Grade” sugar.
Industry sources suggest the modifications to the tender may be linked to concerns reportedly raised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over recent tax exemptions granted on sugar imports. The IMF is said to be wary that such incentives could undermine Pakistan’s ongoing $7 billion loan program. However, there has been no official confirmation of IMF involvement in this specific decision.
The tender revision could influence domestic sugar availability, as imports are likely to ease pressure on local supplies. The government had earlier approved the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar to stabilize soaring prices and prevent potential shortages.
To facilitate these imports, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has waived customs duties on up to 500,000 metric tons of sugar. It has also slashed the sales tax from 18% to 0.25%, and reduced the withholding tax to 0.25%, applicable to imports conducted by either TCP or the private sector.
To Read more about Sugar Industry continue reading Agriinsite.com
Source : Chinimandi
