Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Asian market for raw cane and beet sugar saw production decline from 118.7 million metric tons in 2018 to 107.1 million metric tons in 2021, with total market volume dipping to 126.8 million metric tons in 2021. This downward trend was influenced by persistently low global sugar prices, which reduced profitability for cane sugar producers, notably in Brazil, and made sugar beet cultivation less attractive in some regions.

From 2021 onward, both production and market volume rebounded strongly. Production reached 120.6 million metric tons in 2023, and the total market expanded to 137.8 million metric tons. Support measures for cane sugar production in supplying countries helped stimulate output, while anticipation of a global raw sugar deficit for the 2024-2025 campaign provided further impetus for market growth.

Throughout the period, the increasing demand for biofuels, particularly ethanol from sugarcane, remained a structural factor shaping sugar production decisions, affecting the allocation of cane between sugar and ethanol production.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

Asia's production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 111.3 million tonnes, which represents a 4.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.7 million tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.2%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The export market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their peak in 2018 at 2 347 thousand tonnes and fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 161 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic 14.6-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports from Asia amounted to 1 721 thousand tonnes, marking a substantial increase of 971.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 93.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Kenya, and Tanzania were the top contributors to Asia's exports in volume terms. The United States accounted for 4.6% of exports, Kenya for 3.5%, and Tanzania for 2.2%. Together, these three countries represented 10.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatile behavior throughout these years. Export values peaked in 2018 at 1 804 million US dollars and hit their lowest point in 2019 at 273 million US dollars, resulting in a 6.6-fold gap between these extremes. In 2020, Asia's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form reached 1 099 million US dollars, showing a significant increase of 302.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with an 84.9% decrease.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the United States, Kenya, and Tanzania formed the core group of markets for Asia's exports in value terms. The United States contributed 6.5% of export value, Kenya 4.0%, and Tanzania 2.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 13.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of decline, Asia's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form rebounded in 2020. The region imported 21 237 thousand tonnes that year, representing a 45.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 3.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 618 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 27.1% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Australia, and Cuba were the largest suppliers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Asia in volume terms. Brazil accounted for 48.7% of imports, Australia for 15.2%, and Cuba for 2.4%. Together, these three countries made up 66.4% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year downward trend, Asia's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form increased in 2020. Import values reached 7 923 million US dollars that year, reflecting a 19.1% gain compared to 2019. However, over the entire 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 18.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 655 million US dollars, with the largest drop occurring in 2018 at 30.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Australia, and Cuba remained the principal suppliers to Asia in value terms. Brazil accounted for 47.9% of import value, Australia for 15.0%, and Cuba for 2.8%. Collectively, these three suppliers represented 65.7% of total import value.

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

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