US blocks sugar imports from top Dominican producer over forced labor concerns
The Dominican Republic’s government has blocked sugar imports by one of its top producers, a move which could cause a shortage, and is part of the ongoing fight to protect local mills that have been threatened by the new, more restrictive regulations.
Dominican officials on Monday announced the company which is a major supplier of raw ingredients for the country’s sugar industry would not be able to ship sugar to the US market due to the continued dispute with the Dominican Republic’s government.
The company, Grupo Teodoro, is Dominican’s largest sugar producer, bringing in roughly $500 million in sales for the country, and operates in the area of production, transportation, and sales.
The decision was made over the weekend and caused an immediate shortage of sugar in the American market, a major producer for the industry.
The US has long been one of the top sugar imports to the Dominican government and in the last few years has become the country’s top consumer as well, with the market growing more competitive by the day.
The US has become a market for the Dominican’s sugar industry as US competition has become more aggressive over the last several years.
The US state of Oregon has become involved in the sugar industry, with a move to sell more than just refined sugar. The state of Oregon recently bought up a large amount of sugar to add to the large stockpile it is purchasing, and has seen interest from other states. The Canadian province of Nova Scotia has also recently announced an agreement for US sugar, which they bought. It is looking for more sugar, which in return they will get a large stake in the company that produces the crop.
The US government is also looking to purchase large sugar plantations overseas. The New Zealand government, in conjunction with local investors, plans to purchase four sugar-producing companies with an eye on increasing sugar production and exports.
It is expected to take a long time for the US government to be able to get the necessary stocks. The US has been importing large amounts of raw sugar to be refined, but not exporting the refined product.
On top of that, sugar prices have