Pakistanis are making inquiries to buy around 50,000 tonnes of raw sugar, according to trade sources contacted by Reuters in London and New York. The sources estimated that Pakistan had already booked around 200,000 tonnes of raw sugar out of planned imports of 250,000 tonnes. "The Pakistanis are in the market today to buy more raw sugar," one trade source said. Earlier, trade sources said Pakistani authorities would tender to buy 150,000 tonnes of refined sugar duty-free.
The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) would announce the tender via the domestic press, they told Reuters.
Trade sources said the tender was expected to be for prompt delivery.
Last week, Pakistan announced a plan to import one million tonnes of white sugar to cover supply shortages and check rising domestic prices, but trade sources believe Pakistan's needs will be far below that level.
The decision to import refined sugar was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.