Joint Statement: Protecting Inward Processing to Safeguard EU Competitivenes

The Committee of European Sugar Users (CIUS), The European Fermentation Group (EFG) and the European Sugar Refineries Association (ESRA) and have issued a joint statement firmly opposing any proposal to suspend inward processing relief (IPR) for sugars.

Inward processing is essential for the competitiveness of EU fermentation, refining and sugar-using industries, supporting exports, investment and employment across the EU. IPR does not distort the EU sugar market, as current imbalances are driven by beet sugar overproduction rather than raw cane sugar imports, which remain historically low.

Suspending IPR would raise production costs, weaken EU industry on global markets, and risk plant closures and job losses, particularly in peripheral regions.

We call on the European Commission to reject any suspension of IPR and to pursue evidence-based, proportionate market governance that safeguards competitiveness, jobs and cohesion.

Press release is available here.