American Sugar Refining Company

American company

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 18, 2026

Quick Summary

The American Sugar Refining Company was a dominant force in the sugar industry in the United States. By 1892, it controlled approximately 98% of the nation's sugar refining, creating a virtual monopoly. This significant market control led to a landmark legal case, United States v. E.C. Knight Company, in 1895. The Supreme Court ruled that manufacturing, including sugar refining, was a local activity and not subject to federal regulation under the Sherman Antitrust Act concerning interstate commerce. This decision allowed for the formation of monopolies and limited the effectiveness of antitrust laws for a period. The company was formed in 1891 as part of a trend toward industrial consolidation.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

United States v. E.C. Knight Company
…Company gained control of the American Sugar Refining Company. By 1892 American Sugar enjoyed a virtual monopoly of sugar refining in the United States, controlling 98 percent of the industry.
Read More
…Company gained control of the American Sugar Refining Company. By 1892 American Sugar enjoyed a virtual monopoly of sugar refining in the United States, controlling 98 percent of the industry.
Read More

United States
Industrial combinations
…Tobacco Company (1890) and the American Sugar Refining Company (1891). The latter was especially successful in stifling competition, for it quickly gained control of most of the sugar refined in the United States.
Read More
…Tobacco Company (1890) and the American Sugar Refining Company (1891). The latter was especially successful in stifling competition, for it quickly gained control of most of the sugar refined in the United States.
Read More