Sugar and Other Sweeteners: An Industry Assessment

In 1977 the United States used an estimated 11.2 million tons of sugar but produced only 6.2 million tons. Unlike many countries, the U.S. Government does not set domestic sugar prices; consequently, the world sugar price influences both imported and domestic prices. While high fructose corn syrup sales are currently depressed due to low sugar prices, this sweetener could provide a counterweight to high sugar prices. An International Sugar Agreement, designed to stabilize world sugar prices within an 11- to 21-cent per pound range, became effective on January 1, 1978, but United States participation is subject to ratification by the Senate.