NEWSPORT NEWSFEED: Indian sugar exports threaten to disrupt world trade

The Indian Government’s announcement to export up to one-million tonnes of raw sugar, ignoring previous WTO rulings against it, has raised alarms about potential market disruptions causing a decline in sugar prices globally.

 India’s history of employing trade-distorting subsidies has faced wide-spread criticism and led to multiple legal challenges. The WTO ruled in 2021 that India breached international trade agreements by artificially inflating sugar production and distorting global markets with subsidised exports.

“India’s disregard for its WTO obligations threatens the global sugar industry’s viability. It is imperative that sugar producing countries including Australia work collectively to address this challenge and safeguard their interests” said Ash Salardini, CEO of the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC).

 “The Australian sugar industry exports more than 80% of its production, and these exports are worth well over $2 billion. This decision threatens the livelihoods of Australian sugar manufacturers, growers, and regional communities that rely on a stable and profitable sugar industry.”

 The ASMC has previously acknowledged India’s suspension of subsidised sugar exports and its progress in developing a domestic ethanol program as positive steps toward compliance with the WTO’s 2021 rulings. However, the recent announcement to renew large-scale sugar exports has reignited concerns.

 “Any sudden resumption of subsidised sugar exports risks destabilising global markets. This undermines efforts to ensure fair trading conditions and places additional pressure on the Australian sugar industry”, said Mr Salardini.

The ASMC will continue to advocate for strong enforcement of international trade rules and support measures to mitigate the adverse impacts of India’s policies on Australian sugar producers.

“We are a trade exposed economy, with a quarter of our GDP generated through exports. Australia needs to be front and centre in defending international trade rules, as decisions like this have grave implications for the broader Australian economy.

The Crisafulli Government is strengthening its commitment to upskilling Queenslanders with a focus on First Nations communities in regional areas. 

A $2.8 million funding commitment will provide opportunities for former offenders, young people, school leavers, and women to gain the skills and training they need to secure local jobs. 

Projects include workplace confidence development, cultural onboarding, foundation skills, mental health support and learner driver assistance. 

In the Far North, $484,700 will support up to 50 participants in earning qualifications including;  

• Certificate III in Community Services,  
• Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management,  
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or  
• Marine dive certification. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the funding was part of the Crisafulli Government focusing on The Right Plan for Queensland’s Future. 

“Through the Indigenous Workforce and Skills Development Grant program, we’re providing First Nations people with an opportunity to train, upskill, reskill and pursue careers in vital industries - including community services and local tourism industries here in Cairns,” Minister Bates said. 

“Organisations like Wakaid Pty Ltd will support up to 14 participants from Cairns, Thursday Island, Bamaga and Lockhart River to obtain the skills and qualifications needed for jobs in the marine dive industry, including the Crown of Thorns Starfish control program. 

“An important project tailored to the region, participants will gain the regulatory dive certification requirements and additional training in first aid, advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy to be part of the control program or work in marine tourism, marine research, or commercial sector.” 

Minister for Women, Women’s Economic Security, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the LNP Government was working to provide more job opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the state.  

“When we look at the national Closing the Gap targets, Queensland is not on track against five targets relating to life expectancy, year 12 or Certificate III attainment, tertiary education, youth employment or training, or appropriate housing,” Minister Simpson said. 

Part Owner and Director of Wakaid, Frank Aragu said the project will provide training and employment pathways that safeguards one of the world's most iconic natural areas.  

“Our Malu Gubal project will help address local workforce needs, establish a direct connection to local services and employers for our participants and help protect the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Aragu said.    

Member for Barron River Bree James said Young Traditional Owners in Lockhart River will have the opportunity to complete a Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management thanks to Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation’s Skilling the Next Generation Living and Working on Country project. 

“Participants can gain employment as Indigenous Rangers and take on the responsibility of managing the Indigenous Protected Area overseen by the Chuulangun Aboriginal Corporation.” 

Projects will also be delivered in Townsville, Palm Island, Rockhampton, Gladstone Woorabinda, and across Southeast Queensland, and will include workshops to build the cultural competency of local non-Indigenous employers.