Administration of tariff rate quotas

Except as provided in paragraph (2) and notwithstanding any other provision of law, at the beginning of the quota year, the Secretary shall establish the tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar and refined sugars at the minimum level necessary to comply with obligations under international trade agreements that have been approved by Congress. Paragraph (1) shall not apply to specialty sugar. Before April 1 of each fiscal year, for the sole purpose of responding directly to an emergency shortage of sugar in the United States market that is caused by a war, flood, hurricane, or other natural disaster, or other similar event as determined by the Secretary— On or after April 1 of each fiscal year— Subject to paragraph (3), following the establishment of the tariff-rate quotas under subsection (a) for a quota year, the Secretary shall— Subject to paragraph (3), not later than March 1 of a quota year, the Secretary shall reallocate any additional forecasted shortfall in the fulfillment of the tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar established under subsection (a)(1) for that quota year. Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall cease to be in effect if— In this subsection, the term “domestic sugar industry” means domestic— Not later than 180 days after July 4, 2025, the Secretary shall conduct a study on whether the establishment of additional terms and conditions with respect to refined sugar imports is necessary and appropriate. In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall examine the following: The need for— In conducting the study under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall consult with representatives of the domestic sugar industry and users of refined sugar. Not later than 1 year after July 4, 2025, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report that describes the findings of the study conducted under subparagraph (A). Based on the findings in the report submitted under paragraph (2)(D), and after providing notice to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, the Secretary may issue regulations in accordance with subparagraph (B) to establish additional terms and conditions with respect to refined sugar imports that are necessary and appropriate. The Secretary may issue regulations under subparagraph (A) if the regulations—