Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Brazilian market for raw cane sugar in solid form expanded from 9.8 million tons to 11.8 million tons. This growth occurred alongside the implementation of new technical standards for sugar quality and a voluntary industry agreement to reduce sugar in processed foods by 144,000 tons by 2022. The revocation of a decree that limited sugarcane planting in environmentally sensitive areas in 2019 facilitated increased production, though much of the additional output was channeled into exports, moderating the rise in domestic market volume.

Between 2021 and 2023, domestic market volume continued its upward trend, reaching 14.9 million tons. Strong global demand, fueled by low world stocks and a favorable exchange rate, drove record Brazilian sugar exports. During this period, new front-of-pack labeling rules came into effect in 2022 to inform consumers about high sugar content, and several sugar substitutes were launched. Despite these developments aimed at influencing consumption, the local market grew, supported by robust production and export levels in 2023, even as climatic challenges like sugarcane wilt syndrome affected supply.

In 2024, Brazilian sugar exports reached a historical high in volume and revenue, benefiting from global supply constraints and strong international demand. Preliminary data for 5 show an 11.7% decline in export volume, though Brazil remains the world's leading exporter. The domestic market faces pressures from inflation and logistical costs, which influence local consumption and commercialization patterns.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil ranked fourth globally in production volume of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form.

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 35 958 K t of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, representing a moderate year-over-year decline of 6.5%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 28.4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 27 732 K t, while the peak occurred in 2020 with 38 440 K t. The most significant increase was observed in 2020, when production surged by 38.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Brazil's production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 11 923 M $ US, marking a strong gain of 12.1% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 43.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 780 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 6.3%. In contrast, the most substantial increase occurred in 2020, with a jump of 36.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Brazil's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form reached 23 996 K t, showing a modest decline of 10.0% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 32%, corresponding to a CAGR of 9.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 15 980 K t, while the highest was in 2020 at 26 675 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 12.1%, whereas the most significant increase was in 2020, rising by 66.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, no single market dominated Brazil's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form. The top three destinations—China (13.1% of exports in kind), Algeria (11.0%), and Bangladesh (9.0%)—collectively accounted for only 33.0% of total exports. The remaining 67.0% was distributed among numerous smaller partners, each with modest individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form increased in value for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports were valued at 7 957 M $ US, indicating a gradual rise of 7.8% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, export value grew by 47.6%, with a CAGR of 13.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 483 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 16.8%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2020, with a surge of 64.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil's export market in value terms was highly diversified. The top three partners—China (13.0% of exports in value), Algeria (10.9%), and Bangladesh (8.7%)—together made up only 32.7% of total flows. The majority, 67.3%, was distributed across many other countries, reflecting a broad partner landscape.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a fluctuation of 3.8 times between these years. In 2021, imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Brazil stood at 2 K t, representing a sharp increase of 90.2% from 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, falling by 11.8%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019, rising by 127.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States was the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Brazil, accounting for 97.1% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.1 times from 2018 to 2021. In 2021, Brazil's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form were valued at 2 M $ US, marking a sharp rise of 100.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020, dropping by 13.9%, while the most substantial increase was in 2019, surging by 137.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the country structure of imports in value terms was highly concentrated, with the United States alone accounting for 91.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021