Thai raw sugar premiums fell further this week as the expiry of New York's front-month contract neared, while Indonesia could issue new permits for imports next week to cover demand ahead of the milling season, dealers said on Tuesday.
Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest consumer, plans to import 240,000 tonnes of raws this year to make up for a shortage before crushing starts in May, but it has yet to issue the required licences. Premiums for Thai high-polarisation, or hi-pol, raws for prompt shipment slipped to 30 to 35 points to New York's March contract from as high as 50 points last week and 60 points two weeks ago. The contract expires on February 29.