NFTC Lauds Introduction of Sugar Reform Bills in Congress

The Feb. 14 introduction of legislation that would repeal sugar import restrictions is a welcome development, said the National Foreign Trade Council in a press release. The sugar reform bills, S-345 and HR-693, would also provide the Department of Agriculture with more flexibility over the import quota system, said the NFTC. "All together, these and other provisions of these sugar reform bills could help save consumers and businesses about $3.5 billion a year and protect about 600,000 jobs in sugar-using industries," said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. Outdated sugar policy stifles economic growth and job creation and is "one of the oldest and most protectionist programs mandated by Congress," he said.