The Ministry of Industry and Trade sought to reassure Senegalese consumers regarding the supply of sugar and rice to the market. It reiterated that the government remains committed to its import-substitution policy, aimed at strengthening local production in key sectors, particularly rice and sugar.

"The government supports all production capable of meeting consumer needs, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the regulation and issuance of Food Product Import Declarations (DIPA). Regarding sugar, the Ministry maintains protective measures to guarantee adequate market supply at accessible and fair prices, and price stability, in accordance with the directives of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister," reads the statement, which also informs that during periods when national production (CSS) does not fully cover demand, import quantities are regularly authorized to avoid any inflationary pressure.

According to the same source, between 2024 and 2025, DIPAs were issued to importers in accordance with the regulations in force and following the established criteria, notably to CSS which benefits from a quota of 20,000 tonnes.

For locally grown rice, the difficulty lies in the gap between the prices offered and those accepted by the market. A mission has been sent to harmonize prices, and from now on, the issuance of export permits will be linked to the actual purchase of locally grown rice.

The Ministry also calls on consumers to favour “buying local”, in order to support producers and strengthen the country’s food sovereignty.