OREANDA-NEWS. On 15 June 2009 was announced, that Belarus had suspended minimum prices for white sugar until January 1, 2010, in accordance with resolution #94 of the Economy Ministry.

Earlier, price limits were suspended for the period February 23 through June 1 by resolution #28 dated February 23, 2009.

The decision is expected to help exporters preserve foreign outlets and take flexible decisions about the advisability of sugar exports to various regions of the world.

Most of Belarus’ white sugar supplies are to Russia. Last year, exports reached 100,000 tonnes, down 46.4% on the year. In 2009, exports may increase to 150,000 tonnes.

Last year’s sugar output increased 7.8% on the year to 707,800 tonnes; in January, sugar production decreased 17.9% on the year to 69,200 tonnes. Unsold inventories were at 333,900 tonnes on February 1, 2009, 4.8 times the average monthly output.