Written question asked by Samantha Niblett (Labour) on Monday, 1 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 December 2025 (named day). It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 4 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Sugar Beet: Import Duties

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact on sugar beet producers in England due to the decision to extend tariff-free access for raw cane sugar.

Answer: The UK relies on some imported refined sugar to meet demand, and the Government’s assessment concluded that any additional volume of raw cane imports would largely displace that imported refined sugar rather than impacting domestic production. The increase in the ATQ volume is therefore not expected to impact UK sugar beet producers and the Government continues to work closely with stakeholders to ensure policy making finely balances all considerations.

Secondary information