The State Sugar Council (CEA) reported losses of RD$525.5 million in 1997. According to a report in the Listin Diario, the government organization that operates state sugar mills has accumulated debts with institutions and international organizations of RD$964.3 million. According to a report, the CEA has sold the entire U.S. quota for next year, including a possible increase in the quota, as well as its production of molasses for the 1997-1998 harvest. The CEA quota is 100,407 metric tons of raw sugar. The increase in the quota could be 17,500 metric tons. The CEA expects to produce 126,000 metric tons of sugar, and to have sales of RD$1,462.3 million in 1998. The CEA is one of the first government enterprises slated for privatization in 1998.
