Primary sugar crops market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for primary sugar crops contracted by over 4 000 thousand tons. This decline coincided with the government's initiation of sugar import liberalization, which introduced greater competition for local millers. Simultaneously, budget cuts to the Sugar Industry Development Act reduced financial support for sugarcane farmers and processors, diminishing incentives for expanded production.

The market rebounded sharply in 2020 and continued growing into 2021, reaching a peak of over 26 000 thousand tons. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the Sugar Regulatory Administration to implement measures securing domestic supply, such as re-classifying reserve sugar. This was supported by reinforced government programs, including the 'Voluntary Purchase' scheme for locally produced sugar and sustained budget allocations for industry development, which collectively boosted output.

After 2021, production entered a downward trend, falling to approximately 21 700 thousand tons by 2023. This period was marked by reported failures in implementing the Sugar Industry Development Act, with significant budget reductions and underspending that weakened the competitiveness of local producers. Continued warnings from millers about the threat of unrestricted imports further contributed to the challenging environment for domestic production.

Production primary sugar crops in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Philippines ranked 16th globally in terms of primary sugar crops production volume.

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, the Philippines' primary sugar crops production rebounded. In 2020, production reached 24 399 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 17.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 16.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 20 719 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year drop of 16.2%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from the Philippines

Exports in kind, kg

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. Import levels varied dramatically, with a 48-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, the Philippines exported 11 038 kilograms of primary sugar crops, representing a remarkable 600.9% increase compared to 2019. The highest export volume occurred in 2018 at 62 404 kilograms, which also saw the largest annual increase of 4,685.5%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 97.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Indonesia and Spain together accounted for 80.6% of the Philippines' total primary sugar crops exports by volume, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Import levels showed extreme fluctuations, with a 24-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, the Philippines' primary sugar crops exports totaled 2 318 US dollars, reflecting a 153.1% increase from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 13 245 US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual surge of 2,321.4%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 at 93.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia dominated the Philippines' primary sugar crops exports in value terms, holding a 74.0% share of total flows, while other markets played a more limited role.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to the Philippines

Imports in kind, kg

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Korea was the primary destination for primary sugar crops imported by the Philippines, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Korea remained the nearly exclusive supplier of primary sugar crops to the Philippines, representing 100.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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