EconomyFriday, 15 May 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
India bans sugar exports till 30 September 2026 to curb domestic shortage and prices
The Centre has banned sugar exports until 30 September 2026, with limited exemptions for EU and US quota shipments.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In May 2026, the Union government issued an order through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) banning sugar exports until 30 September 2026 to control domestic shortage and price rise in India.
Key specifics
- The export ban applies from May 2026 until 30 September 2026, or until further orders.
- DGFT’s 13 May 2026 notification changed the policy for raw sugar, white sugar and refined sugar.
- Earlier, sugar exports were under the “restricted” category and needed central permission.
- Specific quota exports to the European Union and the United States, including CXL and TRQ allocations, are exempted.
- Pre-approved projects and government-contract-based exports are also kept outside the ban.
Exam lens
Question type: Economy policy and trade regulation. Key facts: DGFT, 13 May 2026 notification, export ban till 30 September 2026, CXL/TRQ exemptions, raw/white/refined sugar. TNPSC may ask which body issued the order and what categories were exempted.