The Long-Run Efficiency of United States Sugar Policy

The adequacy of future sugar availabilities for United States consumption requirements since the 1960 embargo on Cuban sugar is a matter of continuing concern. This article gives estimates of the long-run effects of this embargo on the world and the United States sugar economies as well as of the efficiency of current United States long-run sugar supply policy. Long-run supply and demand functions were estimated and a general equilibrium competitive model was constructed. Comparison of the results of this competitive model with projected results of the present United States sugar supply program demonstrates the potential economic inefficiencies of the program.