LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD News) — A new Texas Tech University study is putting a number on how much foreign governments spend to support their sugar industries.
Researchers examined 29 countries representing more than 86% of global sugar production. They found direct foreign subsidies have nearly doubled since 2005, rising from an average of $770 million to nearly $1.4 billion in 2024.
Every country studied also uses tariffs or quotas to protect domestic sugar production. Researchers say those policies can affect global prices and competition for U.S. sugar producers.
Related Stories
Dr. Faith Parum discusses the U.S.-China “30-for-30” tariff framework, covered agricultural products, and the impact of excluding commercial soybeans on U.S. farmers.
USDA says the total was the third-largest weekly Pacific Northwest corn export volume so far in 2026.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue says heavy rain is delaying harvest, while high fuel and input costs squeeze margins. Cattle producers are watching developments on the Farm Bill and beef import policy.
Harvest corn was recently contracting near $5.64 per bushel in parts of the Mid-Atlantic.
Transportation costs increased on every major U.S. wheat route to Japan during the second quarter.
Missouri’s harvest is moving ahead of pace for corn, but producers continue to contend with high input costs, dry conditions affecting soybeans and pasture, and uncertainty in the cattle market.