OCR Text |
Show UGAR PRODUCTION There is great interest and speculation as always at this time of year whether there is to be a sugar surplus or a sugar shortage ;n the world at large and how it will effect our country. Sugar is now comparatively low but higher prices are predicted this spring Careful estimates indicate a world sugar production of 23,-400,000 23,-400,000 tons for the year ending August, 1925, compared with a production of 20,662,000 tons for the year 1924, and only i 8,742,000 tons for 1923. The consumption for the year ending August, 1925, is estimated at only 21,668,000 tons, leaving a year's surplus of 1,782,000 tons. This compares with the surplus of 1 ,8 1 5,000 tons of production over comsumption, in 1924. 1 In 1923, however, the world used 619,000 tons of stored or surplus sugar, this accounting for the far higher prices than now prevail. Sugar authorities say that production is already well beyond the consuming capacity; and that the "remedy" of insuring plant profits by more careful manufacture will only increase production for a market already satiated. But reported overestimates of the Cuban crop might leave a shortage; and agreed limitation of production might do even more) to make prices higher. Laying all theories aside, there is not much danger of overproduction over-production of western beet sugar. Freight oni imported and Ameri-' Ameri-' can-refined sugars will hold a pretty leval balance in favor of the beet sugar producer. A great deal will depend on changes that may be made in tarriffs, and it might be best for all concerned if there were no special session of Congress or any tinkering whatever in the pre? tective tariff. |