Low Sugar Stocks Raise Prospect of Continued Export Ban

Sugar companies have less sugar stored than they have had in more than ten years.

This happened because sugar production fell while people used slightly more sugar.

The government had banned sugar exports to protect supplies at home, but that ban ended on Wednesday.

Officials may bring the ban back because stocks are low.

The government also allowed some raw sugar to be imported without duty.

It is checking whether businesses are storing too much sugar or people are hoarding it.

The government says using sugar to make ethanol was not the main reason for higher prices.

The sugar industry says speculation and lower production helped push prices up, but it says there is no actual shortage.