Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Southern Asia began at a volume of 49 827 thousand tons, a level supported by Indian government policies that sustained sugarcane production through state-owned mills. Market volume then edged down to 49 425 thousand tons in 2019, as monsoon variability that year negatively impacted sugarcane yields and reduced output. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered widespread global supply chain disruptions, which led to a more pronounced contraction in production and drove the market volume down to 45 008 thousand tons.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, with market volume jumping to 52 145 thousand tons. This surge was propelled by government export subsidies and the entry of new private-sector players, which expanded production capacity. Growth continued into 2022, reaching 53 316 thousand tons, supported by regulatory adjustments to the GST tax rate and sustained policy incentives for the sector. By 2023, the market volume saw a slight dip to 52 733 thousand tons. This occurred alongside a continued rise in production, as growing consumer health awareness and a shift in preference toward artificial sweeteners began to influence overall consumption patterns.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Southern Asia

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

Southern 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 41 879 thousand tonnes, which represents a 9.5% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 6.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 47 758 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 21.1%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Southern Asia showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports peaked at 3 thousand tonnes, but then dropped sharply to a low of 1 thousand tonnes in 2019—a 2.6-fold difference between these two years. By 2020, exports recovered to 2 thousand tonnes, marking a solid year-over-year increase of 20.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 60.8% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 104.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Southern Asia were not heavily concentrated among trading partners. Saudi Arabia accounted for 4.0% of exports, Spain for 3.0%, and Malaysia for 2.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 9.0% of total export flows, indicating a diverse distribution.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market in value terms displayed an unstable trend over the period. In 2018, exports reached their highest point at 3 million US dollars, but then fell to a low of 2 million US dollars in 2020—a two-fold shift. The year 2020 saw exports total 2 million US dollars, which was a dramatic decrease of 38.2% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 84.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Saudi Arabia made up 6.0% of exports, Spain 5.3%, and Malaysia 3.8%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 15.0% of total export flows, with many other partners contributing the remaining 85.0%.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Southern Asia imported approximately 3 131 thousand tonnes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, showing little change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 21.1%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 2 073 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 47.7%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the biggest increase at 51.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil was the dominant source for imports in kind, accounting for 66.4% of the total. The United Kingdom followed with 3.9%, and the United Arab Emirates with 3.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 73.7% of import flows, highlighting a more concentrated structure compared to exports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Southern Asia's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form totaled 1 171 million US dollars, down 8.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 34.1%, with an average annual decline of 13.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 811 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 54.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 58.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Brazil stood out as the main market for imports in value terms, representing 63.8% of the total. The United Kingdom accounted for 4.5%, and the United Arab Emirates for 4.2%. Together, these three countries made up 72.5% of import flows, indicating a significant concentration in the import structure.

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

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