Sugar Imports: The Paradoxical Decision of Minister Serigne Guèye Diop

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Serigne Guèye Diop, authorized sugar imports from July 15, 2026, to prevent a shortage during religious festivities. However, the Compagnie sucrière sénégalaise (CSS) claims it still has 50,000 tons in stock, contradicting the ministry's decision. The minister justifies the measure by a decline in CSS stocks, while annual production is 140,000 tons and monthly consumption 25,000 tons. The decision raises questions about stock management and import substitution policy.