Primary sugar crops market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for primary sugar crops in China expanded from 2018 to 2019, with production rising from 119.4 million tonnes to 121.7 million tonnes. This initial growth was supported by the expansion of sugarcane planting areas and increased yields in Guangxi province, driven by local efforts to build high-yield bases and reduce cultivation costs. At the same time, rising consumer living standards and growing demand for delivery services and processed foods boosted sugar consumption, contributing to the overall market growth.

A multi-year decline began after 2019, accelerating notably in 2021 when high corn prices incentivized farmers to shift agricultural land away from sugar crops. This shift in planting decisions directly reduced the supply of sugarcane and sugar beet. The downward trend continued into 2022 due to persistent structural challenges within the sector, including high labor costs, soil acidification from over-fertilization, and overall low production efficiency, which constrained output.

Production saw a modest recovery to 113.7 million tonnes in 2023. This turnaround occurred within a volatile global sugar market, where prices and supply expectations were influenced by the El Niño weather pattern affecting major producers like India and Thailand. While reports indicated a decrease in sugarcane output in Guangxi, the overall domestic market volume for primary sugar crops edged higher, reflecting complex adjustments to both local and international supply factors.

Production primary sugar crops in China

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Between 2017 and 2020, China ranked as the world's third-largest producer of primary sugar crops.

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

China's production of primary sugar crops declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 120.1 million tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 1.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production overall increased by 5.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 121.7 million tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.9%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of primary sugar crops fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 2 thousand tonnes, representing a significant drop of 54.3% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports declined by 64.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -29.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for China's primary sugar crop exports were Russia, accounting for 52.6% of exports in kind, Hong Kong with 21.9%, and Macao at 17.1%. Together, these three markets made up 91.6% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of China's primary sugar crop exports decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 726 thousand US dollars, down 52.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 53.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 22.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 962 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 25.7% that year.

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

During 2017–2020, three key markets—Russia, Malaysia, and Macao—collectively accounted for 78.1% of the total export value of primary sugar crops from China.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of primary sugar crops rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 1 706 thousand tonnes, up 20.4% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 73%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar and Laos were the dominant sources for China's imports in kind, together representing 99.6% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of China's primary sugar crop imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 97 066 thousand US dollars, a 17.0% rise compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 62.2%, with an annualized rate of 17.5%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Myanmar and Laos were the two primary markets for China's imports in value terms, together comprising 99.6% of total import flows.

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

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