TCP revises sugar import tender amid IMF concerns

(Web Desk): The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has withdrawn the government’s earlier decision to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar and has instead issued a revised tender to import only 50,000 metric tons.

A major development has occurred regarding the previously planned import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar. The government has revised its initial plan and now aims to import only 50,000 metric tons instead of the previously intended 300,000 metric tons.

According to sources, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a new, revised tender for sugar import. Under the revised tender, bids are now invited until July 22, whereas the previous deadline was July 18.

It is worth mentioning that earlier, the government had issued a tender for the import of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.

Sources further revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had expressed reservations over the tax exemptions granted on sugar imports. The IMF reportedly warned that such measures could jeopardize Pakistan’s $7 billion loan program, after which the government began reviewing the decision to withdraw the tax relief on sugar imports.

There is also a possibility that the sugar import decision may be completely scrapped, and discussions are underway to withdraw tax exemptions granted to the private sector as well.

It is important to note that on July 11, 2025, the federal government had initiated the process to import 500,000 metric tons of sugar, and in this regard, the Trading Corporation of Pakistan had issued a tender.

TCP had invited bids from international suppliers and manufacturers interested in sugar import by the deadline of July 18, 2025.