India's sugar industry seeks permission to export 2 mln tonnes in 2010/11

Indian sugar mills have sought permission to export 2 mln tonnes of sugar in 2010/11 (Oct/Sep). The permits would cover fresh exports, over and above nearly a million tonnes of shipments already allowed by the government under the advanced licensing scheme, which covers the reexport of tax free raw sugar imports. India is expecting sugar production of 25.5 mln tonnes in 2010/11, against an annual demand of around 23 mln tonnes. The sugar exports are urgently required as the world faces a supply deficit in the first quarter of 2011.