The U.S. Commerce Department announced its affirmative preliminary determination today on the countervailing duty (CVD) portion of the U.S. sugar producers’ petition against Mexican sugar imports. A fact sheet details the preliminary subsidy rate as well as next steps.

The Sweetener Users Association, on whose board IDFA sits, released a statement stating, “Today’s ruling that the Mexican sugar industry received support from the Mexican government should surprise no one. The only surprise in this case has been that the U.S. sugar industry— which is among the most protected and supported industries in all of agriculture—would complain about support received by Mexican growers. This case has been, and continues to be, a cynical effort to drive up prices for consumers and kill American jobs in the food manufacturing sector.”