The US Department of Commerce has issued a preliminary ruling, based on its preliminary findings that the Mexican government’s support of its sugar industry gives Mexican sugar imports an unfair advantage over US producers. The direct result of the ruling is a temporary duty placed on Mexican sugar imports until the Commerce Department can complete its investigation. The duty deposit will range from 2.99 to 14.87 percent.
Domestic sugar producers hailed the move, with Phillip Hayes, a spokesman for the American Sugar Alliance, saying the ruling validates the organization’s long-standing complaint that Mexican imports are hurting American sugar producers and their employees.