Tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar are allocated
on a country-by-country basis among 41
countries in total, while those for refined sugar
are allocated on a global first-come, first-served
basis. If demand for sugar outstrips supply in the
United States, the USDA can alter the quota as
needed. Although sugar can enter our market in
excess of the TRQ, a prohibitive duty of close to
16 cents per pound is imposed.