South Africa Sugar Industry Demands Sugar Tax Removal to Protect Jobs
SA SUGAR INDUSTRY IN CRISIS South Africa's Sugar Industry Demands End to Sugar Tax as Thousands of Jobs Face Pressure By SA360 NEWS | 10 October 2026 | Business & Politics South Africa's sugar industry is calling on the government to abolish the controversial sugar tax, warning that declining production, cheaper imports and mounting financial pressures are threatening farmers, workers and businesses across the country. DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa's sugarcane growers have intensified their campaign for the removal of the Health Promotion Levy (HPL), commonly known as the sugar tax, ahead of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement scheduled for 21 October 2026. Industry organisation SA Canegrowers argues that the tax is placing additional pressure on an already struggling agricultural sector and discouraging investment. The appeal comes as growers report falling sugarcane deliveries, declining recovery rates and growing compet...