Primary sugar crops market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

ASEAN primary sugar crops market volume stood at 221.7 million metric tons in 2018, then edged down to 211.2 million metric tons in 2019. The most pronounced contraction occurred in 2020, when the market shrank to 154.4 million metric tons. A further slight decrease followed in 2021, bringing the volume to 149.6 million metric tons. The market rebounded in 2022, reaching 172.6 million metric tons, and stabilized near that level in 2023 at 172.2 million metric tons.

In 2024, several factors supported the sugar crops sector. Improved yields from higher-yielding crop varieties, better soil health, and enhanced irrigation practices, particularly in the Philippines, contributed to production increases. Thailand's sugar industry expanded its sugarcane cultivation, leading to a forecast rise in sugar production. Although severe drought conditions posed a challenge, reliance on rainwater for sugarcane meant that overall cultivation area growth helped offset weather-related risks. Global economic expansion also underpinned demand for sugar products.

Production primary sugar crops in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

World map of production of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

ASEAN's production of primary sugar crops declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 154.4 million tonnes, marking a sharp 26.9% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 221.9 million tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 21.8% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, M t

Exports primary sugar crops from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 3.7 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2017, showing a 34-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, ASEAN exported 81.8 thousand tonnes of primary sugar crops, representing a dramatic surge of 2,117.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 97.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the top destination for ASEAN's exports of primary sugar crops in volume terms, accounting for 72.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over this timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 257 thousand US dollars, while the highest stood at 17 320 thousand US dollars in 2018, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.1 times. In 2020, ASEAN's exports of primary sugar crops totaled 13 710 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep increase of 222.1% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 75.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China, the United States, and Japan formed the key group of partners for ASEAN's exports of primary sugar crops in value terms. China led with 64.8% of exports, followed by the United States at 3.3% and Japan at 2.3%. Together, these three countries accounted for 70.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ASEAN in value, 2017-2020

Imports primary sugar crops to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 at 5.7 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2019 at 12.8 thousand tonnes, showing a 2.2-fold variation between these years. In 2020, ASEAN's imports of primary sugar crops amounted to 5.7 thousand tonnes, which is 55.3% lower than in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 94.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the primary supplier of primary sugar crops to ASEAN in volume terms, consistently representing 0.8% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ASEAN imported 6 050 thousand US dollars worth of primary sugar crops, marking a robust drop of 24.1% compared to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 8.6%, with an average annual decline of 2.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 973 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that same year at 22.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China was the leading destination in the structure of ASEAN's imports of primary sugar crops in value terms, accounting for 1.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ASEAN in value, 2017-2020