Mills may export on firm global mkts

Barely a month after looking at imports, some sugar mills in the country have started examining the possibility of exports, with deals turning viable as global markets become firm.

“There has been a sudden increase in the number of applicants seeking export permits,” a senior government official said.

Though sugar exports are not barred, exporters have to seek permits from the sugar directorate to ship out the sweetener.

The directorate has not issued any export licence in nearly two years amid tight local supplies, barring one earlier this month to Indian Sugar Exim Corp, for sale to EU under the preferential quota.

The official said most of the applications received were for exports under the Advance Licence Scheme to fulfill re-export obligations.