Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the launch of the South African Sugarcane Value Chain Master Plan and the significant presence of state-owned companies helped maintain raw sugar production at 7.6 million tons. However, in 2019, the entry of new players into processing and distribution led to a sharp increase in exports to 2 million tons, reducing the market volume to 7 million tons. In 2020, the market volume recovered to 8.5 million tons, largely due to a surge in imports to 2.6 million tons, driven by supply chain factors and the anticipation of the official Master Plan publication in November, which strengthened industry support measures.

The reinforcement of local market protection through adjustments to customs duties and non-tariff barriers in 2021 caused imports to fall to 1.7 million tons, lowering the market volume to 8 million tons. In 2022, pressure from cheap sugar imports, particularly from Brazil, pushed imports up to 2.7 million tons, while government initiatives to support producers helped increase production to 7.8 million tons, raising the market volume to 9.3 million tons. However, in 2023, the provisional liquidation of major producer Tongaat Hulett resulted in a drop in production to 7.2 million tons, and the ongoing import crisis contributed to a decrease in imports to 2.1 million tons, reducing the market volume to 8.1 million tons.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Sub-Saharan Africa

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

Production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Sub-Saharan Africa declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 7 705 K t, marking a 1.5% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 7 526 K t, representing a modest 2.3% decrease compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, the value of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form production in Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded. In 2019, production hit its lowest point at 4 134 M $ US, after a significant 24.9% drop in 2018. By 2020, output had risen to 4 582 M $ US, showing a 10.8% increase over the previous year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2019, exports peaked at 2 005 K t, surging by 69.1% from the year before. By 2020, exports had dropped to 1 678 K t, reflecting a 16.3% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 97.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was highly diversified. Malaysia accounted for 11.9% of exports, Italy for 7.4%, and the United Kingdom for 6.1%, together making up only 25.4% of total flows. The remaining 74.6% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of improvement, the value of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports from Sub-Saharan Africa declined. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 1 076 M $ US, with a 41.8% increase from the previous year. By 2020, exports had fallen to 1 022 M $ US, showing a 5.0% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 39.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in value terms remained scattered. Malaysia represented 7.2% of exports, the United States 7.0%, and Italy 5.9%, together accounting for just 20.1% of total flows. No single partner stood out as clearly dominant during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 1 239 K t, marking a 45.0% decline from the previous year. By 2020, imports had surged to 2 622 K t, reflecting a 96.8% increase compared to 2019. The gap between the lowest and highest points was 2.1-fold, with the peak recorded in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, India, and Guatemala remained the principal suppliers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Sub-Saharan Africa. Brazil accounted for 53.4% of imports in kind, India for 10.0%, and Guatemala for 2.2%, together making up 65.5% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Sub-Saharan Africa increased. In 2019, imports were at their lowest at 977 M $ US, following a 32.8% drop in 2018. By 2020, imports had risen to approximately 1 462 M $ US, representing a 49.6% increase compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, India, and Egypt together accounted for the majority of imports in value terms. Brazil represented 57.5% of imports, India 5.5%, and Egypt 1.7%, totaling 64.6% of total imports, remaining the main sources for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Sub-Saharan Africa.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020