Pakistan Launches Tender for Sugar Imports

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), a state agency, has launched an international tender to procure 100,000 metric tons of white refined sugar, according to sources in Europe on Friday.

The deadline for submitting bids is set for July 31.

On July 8, the government of Pakistan gave the go-ahead to import 500,000 tons of sugar with the goal of stabilizing domestic prices.

Market observers have noted a significant surge in retail sugar prices across the nation since January.

Reportedly, Pakistan did not receive any offers in a previous tender on July 22 for 50,000 tons of sugar. Traders indicated that the short loading window between August 1 and 15 made it challenging to submit realistic offers.

The new tender stipulates shipment of breakbulk supplies either between August 21 and September 5 for 50,000 tons, or between September 1 and 15 for another 50,000 tons. For shipments involving 50,000 tons of sugar transported in ocean containers, delivery can occur between August 21 and September 10.

All sugar shipments must arrive in Pakistan by September 30, with containerized shipments permitted to arrive up to five days later.

The sugar can originate from various countries, excluding India and Israel.