US Recalibrates Sugar Quotas for Latin American Partners
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. is announcing the trade surplus levels for sugar and syrup products from Chile, Morocco, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia, and Panama. This affects how much sugar-containing goods these countries can send to the U.S. with special low or no tariffs under various trade agreements. Businesses and governments should watch these numbers because they influence trade benefits and market access.
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Morocco ineligible for duty-free sugar goods
As of January 1, 2026, goods of Morocco are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.03.01 for calendar year 2026. USTR found Morocco had a negative trade surplus in CY 2024, with imports exceeding exports by 1,148,574 metric tons.
Guatemala receives largest CAFTA-DR allotment
As of January 1, 2026, Guatemala may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 up to 55,460 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR determined Guatemala's CY 2024 trade surplus was 966,270 metric tons, and the permitted CY 2026 amount is 55,460 metric tons (the lesser amount).
Colombia allowed 60,500 tons duty-free
As of January 1, 2026, Colombia may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.08.01 up to 60,500 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR determined Colombia's CY 2024 trade surplus was 141,864 metric tons, and the allowed CY 2026 quantity is the lesser amount, 60,500 metric tons.
Chile loses duty-free sugar access
Starting January 1, 2026, goods of Chile are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.02.01 for calendar year 2026. USTR found Chile had a negative trade surplus in these sugar and syrup goods in CY 2024, with Chile's imports exceeding exports by 664,764 metric tons.
Costa Rica allowed limited duty-free entries
Beginning January 1, 2026, Costa Rica may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 up to 15,400 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR determined Costa Rica's CY 2024 trade surplus was 41,548 metric tons, and the allowed duty-free quantity for CY 2026 is the lesser amount, 15,400 metric tons.
Dominican Republic loses duty-free eligibility
Effective January 1, 2026, goods of the Dominican Republic are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 for calendar year 2026. USTR found the Dominican Republic had a negative trade surplus in CY 2024, with imports exceeding exports by 115,993 metric tons.
El Salvador gets duty-free quantity cap
Starting January 1, 2026, El Salvador may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 up to 40,120 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR found El Salvador's CY 2024 trade surplus was 271,876 metric tons, and the CY 2026 permitted quantity is the lesser amount, 40,120 metric tons.
Nicaragua allowed a 30,800-ton duty-free cap
Effective January 1, 2026, Nicaragua may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 up to 30,800 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR determined Nicaragua's CY 2024 trade surplus was 406,136 metric tons, and the permitted CY 2026 amount is 30,800 metric tons.
Peru not eligible for duty-free sugar entries
Starting January 1, 2026, goods of Peru are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.06.10 for calendar year 2026. USTR found Peru had a negative trade surplus in CY 2024, with imports exceeding exports by 279,860 metric tons.
Honduras limited duty-free entry amount
Beginning January 1, 2026, Honduras may enter sugar and sugar-containing goods duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.05.20 up to 11,200 metric tons in calendar year 2026. USTR found Honduras' CY 2024 trade surplus was 118,014 metric tons, and the permitted CY 2026 amount is the lesser number, 11,200 metric tons.
Panama denied duty-free sugar entries
Beginning January 1, 2026, goods of Panama are not eligible to enter the United States duty-free under HTSUS subheading 9822.09.17 for calendar year 2026. USTR found Panama had a negative trade surplus in CY 2024, with imports exceeding exports by 146 metric tons.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06207 — Publication of 2026 Tariff-Rate Quota Quantitative Limits Under the United States-Australia Free Trade Agreement
Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. is setting new limits on how much Australian goods like beef and wine can enter the country under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement. These limits help manage trade and keep things fair for American businesses. If you’re in agriculture or trade, these numbers matter for planning and sales throughout 2026.
2026-05409 — Notice of Continuation and Request for Applications for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees; Correction
The government fixed a broken web link in their March 12 notice asking people to apply for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs). If you want to join these important trade groups, now you can find the right application link and apply on time. This update helps make sure everyone interested can easily apply without confusion or delay.
2026-05151 — Initiation of Section 301 Investigations of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Various Economies Related to the Failure To Impose and Effectively Enforce a Prohibition on the Importation of Goods Produced With Forced Labor
The U.S. is launching investigations into countries that aren’t stopping goods made with forced labor from entering the market. This means businesses and governments involved in importing these products could face new rules or penalties soon. Public comments and hearings are open now, with key deadlines in April 2026, signaling possible trade changes and financial impacts ahead.
2026-05214 — Initiation of Section 301 Investigations: Acts, Policies, and Practices of Certain Economies Relating to Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors
The U.S. is launching investigations into certain countries that are making way more stuff than needed, causing trade problems and wasted resources. This affects big players like China, the EU, and others in manufacturing sectors. Public comments and hearings are open now, with key deadlines in April and May 2026, potentially leading to trade actions that could impact money and markets.
2026-04861 — Notice of Continuation and Request for Applications for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees
The U.S. government is renewing the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) for another four years and is looking for new members to join. If you’re interested in helping shape trade policies and agreements, apply by April 2, 2026. This is a great chance for qualified folks to influence important trade decisions and be part of a key advisory team.
2026-04246 — Notice of Continuation and Request for Nominations for the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee
The U.S. Trade Representative is renewing the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee for another two years, ending September 30, 2027. They’re looking for new members who care about how trade affects the environment to join and share their ideas. If you want in, send your application within three weeks or keep an eye out for openings later!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23314 — Notice of Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement for SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
The Air Force has given SpaceX the green light to upgrade Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral for their Starship-Super Heavy rockets. This means SpaceX can build new facilities, run tests, and eventually launch and land up to 76 rockets a year, once the FAA finishes checking airspace safety. These changes will boost space activity in Florida and could start soon after all approvals are in place.
Next: 2025-23316 — Implementing Certain Tariff-Related Elements of the Framework for a United States-Switzerland-Liechtenstein Agreement on Fair, Balanced, and Reciprocal Trade
Starting November 14, 2025, the U.S. is changing some tariffs on products from Switzerland and Liechtenstein, like farm goods, aircraft parts, and medicines. These changes affect businesses trading with these countries and aim to keep trade fair and balanced. If the full trade deal isn’t finalized by March 31, 2026, the U.S. will rethink these tariff changes.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in