The ACP/LDC Sugarcane Industries Group represents sugarcane industries from African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) engaged with the European Union’s sugar market. This group advocates for the preferential treatment and maintenance of trade arrangements that benefit cane sugar producers from these developing regions. Historically formed under the Commonwealth Sugar Agreement and later evolving through EU trade accords such as the Sugar Protocol and the Cotonou Agreement, the group plays a significant role in defending the socio-economic interests of millions relying on sugarcane production across ACP and LDC nations.
The sugar sector in these countries is critical for employment and economic development, with millions of livelihoods tied directly or indirectly to the industry. The ACP/LDC Sugarcane Industries Group actively engages in shaping EU sugar market policies, addressing challenges such as the overproduction and subsidization of sugar within the EU which has created unfair competitive conditions. They strongly advocate for the continuation of preferential tariff systems and quota arrangements that allow ACP/LDC producers duty-free or reduced-tariff access to the EU market. These measures are vital given that sugarcane cultivation in ACP/LDC countries is generally more cost-competitive compared to EU beet sugar production due to lower farm wages and production costs.
Since EU sugar market reforms started in 2006 and culminated in the abolition of quotas by 2015, the group has lobbied extensively to mitigate adverse effects on ACP/LDC sugar exporters. Reforms have led to price falls and reduced guaranteed market access, severely impacting the economic viability of many producers. The group supports policies to maintain some form of preferential market access within World Trade Organization rules, including economic partnership agreements. They also push for funding and compensation mechanisms to help restructure sugar industries in these countries and promote sustainability standards such as Bonsucro certification. Overall, the ACP/LDC Sugarcane Industries Group is a key advocacy and representation entity ensuring that sugar producers from developing countries maintain a voice and market presence in EU sugar trade policy.
