Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the raw sugar market volume in SADC fell from 4 434 тыс. т to 3 425 тыс. т, primarily due to the implementation of the Health Promotion Levy in South Africa, which reduced local sugar demand by approximately 250 000 tonnes by taxing sugar-sweetened beverages.

The market began recovering from 2020, reaching 4 355 тыс. т by 2022, driven by the South African Sugar Master Plan that aimed to stabilize and grow the industry through partnerships. However, sugarcane production faced pressure as farmers diversified into more profitable crops, affecting local supply. By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 4 334 тыс. т amid industry calls to reassess the sugar tax.

In 2024, drier-than-normal weather in key growing regions shortened the sugarcane season and reduced yields by about 10%, while a surge in sugar imports prompted the introduction of a protective customs duty of 140.91 cents/kg in December 2024.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K 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

SADC's production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 5 533 K t, but then fell by 7.0% in 2020 to 5 144 K t. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 5.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, the value of SADC's raw cane or beet sugar in solid form production increased. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 2 611 M $ US, but then grew by 9.5% in 2020 to reach 2 859 M $ US. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 25.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.3%. The sharpest drop was recorded in 2018, when production value fell by 20.9%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, SADC's exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 2 275 K t, but then dropped by 20.6% in 2020 to 1 807 K t. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, when exports surged by 68.3%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 85.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, SADC's exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partners. Kenya accounted for 12.8% of exports, Malaysia for 12.0%, and Italy for 7.5%. Together, these three countries represented just 32.3% of total export flows, while the remaining 67.7% was spread among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of gains, the value of SADC's raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports declined. In 2019, export value reached its highest point at 1 074 M $ US, but then contracted by 6.5% in 2020 to 1 004 M $ US. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019, when export value rose by 43.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 39.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya was the largest buyer of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from SADC in value terms, accounting for 13.6% of exports. Malaysia followed with 7.3%, and the United States with 7.1%. However, even combined, these three countries represented only 27.9% of total export value, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into SADC showed an unstable trend over the period. In 2017, imports peaked, but then fell to their lowest point in 2019 at 167 K t, representing a 3.4-fold difference between the highest and lowest volumes. In 2020, imports rebounded sharply to 400 K t, marking a year-on-year increase of 139.6%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when imports dropped by 47.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was the largest supplier of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to SADC in kind, accounting for 16.8% of imports. Guatemala followed with 6.7%, and Thailand with 2.3%. Together, these three countries represented 25.9% of total imports, with the remainder distributed among a wide array of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

SADC's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports rose by 6.0% compared to 2019, reaching 366 M $ US. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 10.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 299 M $ US, when imports fell by 26.5%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when import value grew by 15.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were spread across a broad set of partner countries. Brazil accounted for 11.5% of imports, Guatemala for 3.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 2.0%. Combined, these three countries represented just 17.3% of total import flows, indicating a highly diversified supplier base.

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

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