Primary sugar crops market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

Production of primary sugar crops in Bangladesh began the period at 3.9 million tons in 2018, supported by the National Agriculture Policy 2018 which aimed to boost sugarcane productivity. However, the sector faced a persistent decline in cultivation area as farmers shifted to cereals and other short-duration crops, leading output to drop to 3.4 million tons in 2019.

Output recovered to 3.9 million tons in 2020 as crop diversification policies gained traction, promoting sugarcane alongside other crops. Subsequently, production fell to 3.5 million tons in 2021 and further to 3.3 million tons in 2022, driven by the government's closure of six loss-making state sugar mills in 2020, which reduced demand for cane, and ongoing supply constraints that limited output at remaining mills. During this period, private companies like Meghna Group and City Group significantly expanded their market share.

By 2023, production stabilized at 3.2 million tons as the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and the government launched revival efforts, including the introduction of high-yielding sugarcane varieties, increased cane prices, and technical support for farmers. These measures were bolstered by collaborations with private sector players such as British American Tobacco Bangladesh.

Production primary sugar crops in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

Bangladesh's production of primary sugar crops rebounded in 2020 after a two-year decline. The country produced 3 882 thousand tons that year, marking a 15.6% increase from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.8% overall, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 357 thousand tons, which also saw the steepest annual decline of 14.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports primary sugar crops from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Bangladesh's cross-border shipments of primary sugar crops totaled 49 575 kilograms, representing a substantial 174.7% increase compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia was the dominant destination for Bangladesh's exports of primary sugar crops in kind, accounting for 87.6% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

In 2020, Bangladesh's exports of primary sugar crops in value terms reached 55 280 US dollars, showing a significant increase of 234.0% from the previous year.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia and Japan clearly dominated the partner structure for Bangladesh's exports in value terms, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, kg

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 19 kilograms, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 7 510 kilograms, resulting in a dramatic peak-to-trough ratio of 395 times. In 2020, imported volumes of primary sugar crops in Bangladesh were recorded at 760 kilograms, representing a sharp reduction of 89.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 97.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 39 426.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Singapore and Myanmar remained the key destinations for Bangladesh's imports of primary sugar crops in kind, jointly accounting for 92.0% of total flows. Other partners were much less significant individually.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 17 US dollars, while the maximum was recorded in 2019 at 15 020 US dollars, showing a peak-to-trough amplitude of 862 times. In 2020, primary sugar crops shipments to Bangladesh from abroad came to 1 725 US dollars, representing a sharp decline of 88.5% versus the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 99.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 86 122.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—Singapore and Myanmar—together accounted for 89.6% of Bangladesh's total imports of primary sugar crops in value terms. The remaining volume was dispersed across a wide range of other countries.

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

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