Primary sugar crops market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

Australian primary sugar crops production fluctuated between 28 684 and 33 507 thousand tonnes from 2018 to 2023. Output in 2018 remained high as the industry continued its recovery, supported by investment and favorable weather conditions. However, adverse climate events, including repeated flooding in sugarcane-growing regions of New South Wales, led to production declines in 2020 and 2022.

A partial rebound occurred in 2021, aided by a shift in sugarcane cultivation toward sugar production in response to moderated energy and ethanol prices. The regulatory environment also played a role: the mandatory Sugar Industry Code of Conduct introduced in 2017 and remaining in force helped standardize market relationships and facilitate investment, although the exit of three major Queensland millers from voluntary marketing agreements created some uncertainty over centralized sales arrangements.

By 2023, production had recovered strongly to 32 606 thousand tonnes, indicating a bounce-back from the weather-related disruptions of prior years. The overall period highlights the sector's sensitivity to climatic conditions and its adaptation to shifts in sugar demand.

Production primary sugar crops in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Australia ranked 11th globally in primary sugar crops production from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

World map of production of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, Australia's primary sugar crops production increased in 2021, reaching 31 148 K t. This represents a modest 2.9% growth compared to the previous year. However, over the entire 2018-2021 period, production fell by 7%, averaging an annual decline of 2.4%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 30 283 K t, which saw the largest year-on-year drop of 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports primary sugar crops from Australia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for primary sugar crops showed significant volatility during this period. From 2018 to 2021, exports fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough difference of 15 times. In 2021, Australia exported 10.8 t of primary sugar crops, marking a substantial 414.2% increase from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main destinations for Australia's primary sugar crops exports were Fiji, Vanuatu, and Japan. Fiji accounted for 33.1% of exports, Vanuatu for 26.6%, and Japan for 26.3%. Together, these three markets represented 85.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, $ US

Export values for primary sugar crops experienced notable fluctuations from 2018 to 2021. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 537 US dollars, while the highest was in 2021 at 88 461 US dollars, reflecting a 9.3-fold gap between these years. In 2021, exports surged by 44.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 40.0% drop, while the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 540.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, $ US

In terms of value from 2018 to 2021, Fiji, New Zealand, and the United States were the primary destinations for Australia's primary sugar crops exports. Fiji led with 37.8% of export value, followed by New Zealand at 33.3%, and the United States at 6.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 77.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports primary sugar crops to Australia

Imports in kind, t

Australia's imports of primary sugar crops declined for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching 7.9 t. This represents a sharp 72.1% decrease compared to 2020. Over the 2019-2021 period, imports fell by 92.1%, averaging an annual decline of 57.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil dominated Australia's imports of primary sugar crops, accounting for 91.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, $ US

Australia's imports of primary sugar crops in value terms declined for the second year in a row in 2021, amounting to 19 292 US dollars, down 33.6% from 2020. Over the 2019-2021 period, imports decreased by 80.3%, with an average annual decline of 41.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Brazil was the central partner for Australia's imports of primary sugar crops in value terms, holding an 81.1% share of total flows. Other markets played a minor role in the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021