USDA: SUGAR PROJECTIONS FOR 2009/10

SUGAR:  Projected 2009/10 U.S. sugar supply is increased  350,000 short tons, raw value, from last month.  Sugar  production is increased 200,000 tons and beginning stocks are  increased 150,000 tons while imports are decreased 50,000  tons.  The increase in sugar production is based on higher- than-expected forecast production of U.S. sugarbeets and  Florida sugarcane, which more than offsets lower Louisiana  sugarcane.  The reduction in 2009/10 imports is due to  prospects for sharply higher world market prices increasing  shortfall in filling the tariff rate quota.  Estimated 2008/09 U.S. sugar supply is increased 250,000  tons, based on larger early harvest of 2009-crop sugarbeets  and continued strong imports from Mexico.  Sugar use is  increased 100,000 tons to reflect the refined portion of the  increase in imports from Mexico.