Study Finds Foreign Sugar Subsidies Have Nearly Doubled

Texas Tech researchers found direct foreign subsidies reached nearly $1.4 billion in 2024.

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.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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