The Tanzania market for Indian sugar
Djibouti (1.46 lakh t) and Somalia (1.35 lakh t) were the top destinations in the 2024-25 season (AISTA via IANS); East African demand is price-driven.
Indian community in Tanzania (Ministry of External Affairs estimate): 55,000 (PIO 40,000 + NRI 15,000).
Sugar specification for Tanzania orders
| Parameter | Typical export value |
|---|---|
| ICUMSA colour | ICUMSA 45 (refined); about 100-150 for S-30 / M-30 plantation white; 600-1,200 raw (typical) |
| Polarisation | ≥ 99.8° refined/white; 96-99° raw (typical) |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.04-0.1% white; ≤ 0.15% raw (typical) |
| Ash | ≤ 0.04% refined (typical) |
| Grain size | S-30 small / M-30 medium crystal (Indian grading) |
Final values are agreed per contract, then confirmed by lab report or pre-shipment inspection.
Shipping sugar to Tanzania
Typical sea transit from India: 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days.
Supply window: Indian sugar is mainly produced or harvested Crushing season Oct-Apr; export quotas announced per season (ASSUMPTION on season; quota VERIFIED). Allow 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea plus 5–10 days for inspection, export clearance and Tanzania customs when you set delivery dates.
Container loading (estimate): 20' about 25-26 MT, 40' HC about 26-27 MT (weight-limited).
Quoted on FOB, CFR, CIF, FAS; CIF Tanzania is the common choice for first orders.
Where buyers are in Tanzania
| City | Port / airport | Buyer sectors |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam | Port of Dar es Salaam (TPA; DP World concession since 2024; serves Zambia/DRC/Malawi/Burun | Indian-Tanzanian (Kariakoo/Upanga) wholesalers, transit traders to DRC/Zambia, pharma (MSD tenders & private) |
| Arusha | Inland; Port of Dar es Salaam / Port of Tanga (~430 km) / Mombasa via Namanga · Kilimanjar | EAC/NGO procurement, safari lodges & HORECA, horticulture/seed inputs |
| Zanzibar City | Malindi Port, Zanzibar (ZPC; feeder from Dar/Mombasa); Dar es Salaam main container port · | rice/sugar importers, hotel/HORECA supply (tourist resorts), spice traders (cloves export |
Frequently asked questions
How long does shipping from India to Tanzania take?
Typically 10–16 d to Dar es Salaam (ASSUMPTION — this file's analyst estimate, not in 06 §F.2) days at sea (estimate).
Does Tanzania have a trade agreement with India?
No FTA. MFN tariffs (EAC CET) [S7 — Tanzania not mentioned] A preferential certificate of origin is needed to claim any reduced duty.
Which HS code applies to sugar from India?
Usually HS 170199. Tanzania applies its own national tariff extension to the 6-digit code; confirm the full line with your broker.
Can sugar be exported from India now?
Sugar exports are tightly controlled. DGFT prohibited sugar exports from 13 May to 30 September 2026 (Notification 16/2026-27); the 2026-27 season policy must be confirmed with DGFT before any contract.
Do you sell ICUMSA 45?
Only when export is permitted and a refinery allocation is available; India's main export grades are S-30/M-30 plantation white and raw sugar.
What are EU and US sugar TRQs?
Small duty-preferential quotas India holds for the EU and US markets, allocated through DGFT/APEDA; these shipments were exempt from the May-2026 prohibition.
Related guides
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