Primary sugar crops market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The primary sugar crops market in Eastern Asia began the period with an established production structure dominated by sugarcane, which accounts for about 90% of output. Increased mechanization in cultivation and harvesting supported production growth, contributing to a market volume rise to 128.2 million tonnes in 2019.

From 2020, growing health consciousness reduced sugar consumption, shifting demand toward substitutes and contributing to a market contraction. This was followed by a continued decline in sown area for sugar crops, which drove production down and pushed the market volume to a low of 119.3 million tonnes by 2022.

In 2023, state funding for improved sugarcane varieties and higher procurement prices for farmers helped reverse the trend, lifting market volume to 120.2 million tonnes. By 2024, sown area for both sugarcane and sugar beet expanded, with sugar beet area up 29.3%, while mechanization reached 69%, indicating potential for recovery, though the market remains import-dependent and sensitive to global factors like India's ethanol blending policy.

Production primary sugar crops in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

Eastern Asia's production of primary sugar crops declined in 2020 after two years of growth. In that year, the region produced 125.4 million tonnes, marking a 1.2% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 126.8 million tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with a 4.4% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output value of primary sugar crops in Eastern Asia reached 85 173 million US dollars, showing a moderate increase of 9.9% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, the value grew by 21.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 6.6%. The most significant decline was observed in 2019 with an 8.0% drop, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018 with a 20.1% surge.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports primary sugar crops from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of primary sugar crops from Eastern Asia fell for the second consecutive year in 2020. The region exported 1 000 tonnes that year, representing a sharp decrease of 57.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 59.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -26.1%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 000 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 9.3% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Malaysia, and Vietnam were the top buyers of primary sugar crops from Eastern Asia in terms of volume. Russia accounted for 52.6% of exports, Malaysia for 2.3%, and Vietnam for 2.1%, collectively making up 57.0% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of primary sugar crops exported from Eastern Asia declined for the second year in a row in 2020. Exports stood at 726 000 US dollars that year, showing a significant decrease of 52.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value fell by 53.5%, equating to an annualized decline of 22.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 963 000 US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 25.8% that year.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Russia, Malaysia, and Canada were the leading buyers of primary sugar crops from Eastern Asia. Russia represented 62.2% of export value, Malaysia 8.2%, and Canada 4.5%, together accounting for 74.9% of total exports.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of primary sugar crops into Eastern Asia increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The region imported 1 706 000 tonnes that year, indicating a 20.4% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 72.9%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 20.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar and Laos dominated the imports of primary sugar crops into Eastern Asia in volume terms, with their combined share reaching 99.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of primary sugar crops imported into Eastern Asia rose for the third year in a row in 2020. The region imported a total of 97 493 000 US dollars that year, which is 16.7% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 61.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.4%.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Myanmar and Laos remained the primary sources for imports into Eastern Asia, jointly accounting for 99.0% of total import value, while other partners contributed the remainder.

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

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