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Destination guide · USA

How to Import Brazilian Sugar into the USA

The US is a large sugar market and a real source of inquiries — but imports are quota-controlled. Here's the honest, realistic path: how the tariff-rate quota works and where Brazilian sugar fits.

The reality: a tariff-rate quota market

Unlike most destinations, the US doesn't let sugar in on open terms. It operates a tariff-rate quota (TRQ): a limited volume enters at a low in-quota duty, while volume above the quota carries a high over-quota tariff that usually makes it uneconomic. Brazil holds a country allocation within this system.

Who can import — and how

To import economically you generally need a quota allocation or entry, or to operate through a foreign-trade zone / re-export structure. Refiners with quota buy raw sugar; food and specialty buyers import refined ICUMSA 45 within the quota.

Grade, ports & delivery

Refined ICUMSA 45 for consumption and specialty markets; VHP raw for quota-holding refiners. Common entry ports include Houston, New York/New Jersey and Savannah, typically on CIF.

Confirm your quota position first

Before contracting, confirm your TRQ allocation, entry and duty with a US customs broker — it determines whether the deal works. We supply the origin, product and full export document set; the quota position is what governs your landed cost.

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Duna Trading sources Brazilian ICUMSA 45 and VHP sugar and ships worldwide under Incoterms 2020, with DLC/SBLC payment (UCP 600) and SGS/Intertek inspection at loading. Tell us your grade, quantity and destination port and the São Paulo desk reverts with a quotation.

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Destination guide · USA

Importing into the USA — FAQ

Can you import Brazilian sugar into the US freely?

Not freely. The US runs a tariff-rate quota (TRQ): a limited volume enters at a low in-quota duty, and anything above it faces a high over-quota tariff. You need a quota allocation or entry to make it economic.

What is the tariff-rate quota (TRQ)?

It's a two-tier system administered by USDA/USTR: a set volume per origin at a low duty, and a much higher duty beyond it. Brazil has a country allocation. Confirm your position with a US customs broker.

Which grade and ports?

Refined ICUMSA 45 for the food and specialty market; raw for refiners holding quota. Common entry ports include Houston, New York/New Jersey and Savannah, typically on CIF.