Dr. Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis at the American Sugar Alliance (ASA), testified before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on the severe impact that foreign overcapacity and subsidized over‑quota sugar imports have had on American sugarbeet and sugarcane farmers, as well as the workers who process these crops. He urged USTR to use Section 301 tariff authorities to counter discriminatory foreign trade practices, prevent defaults on sugar loans, and protect U.S. farms and factories from closure.
Johansson explained that foreign governments are heavily subsidizing their sugar producers and exploiting outdated U.S. tariff structures, costing domestic producers $3 billion in lost income over the past two years. He warned that without immediate action, American family farms and factories could face catastrophic losses.
He emphasized that defending U.S. sugar producers aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to prioritize American farmers, workers, and food security. Johansson noted that the industry is a vital sector being unfairly harmed by foreign subsidies and excess capacity.
The testimony highlighted the urgent need for updated tariff rates on over‑quota sugar imports to prevent artificially cheap foreign sugar from flooding the U.S. market. Johansson stressed that additional duties would help counteract structural excess capacity in the global sugar market and safeguard the domestic supply chain.
