Mexico, US trade conflict over sugar looms

Puebla, Mexico

A LOOMING trade conflict with the US over sugar is threatening to disrupt the livelihood of residents in sugar cane growing regions like the central Mexican town of Atencingo.

Mexico has until June 5 to reach an agreement with Washington for its sugar exports to continue entering the US market duty-free. Mexico exported 1.1 tonnes of sugar to the US in 2016, according to government figures.

Sugar cane day labourers here earn between 600 and 700 pesos (S$44-51) a day, a salary that most need to support their families. If no deal is reached their livelihoods are in danger, as US …