Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form between 2018 and 2024 was fundamentally supported by a regulatory framework that included price supports and import quotas, ensuring stable domestic production alongside managed imports. This period also saw a persistent consumer shift toward natural, organic, and sustainably produced sweeteners, which increased demand for unrefined cane sugar products and spurred continuous product innovation across the industry.

Production volumes fluctuated significantly, with a notable recovery and growth phase from 2020 to 2021. This expansion was driven by advancements in production processes and quality investments at refining facilities, coupled with rising health consciousness that boosted demand for natural ingredients. In 2021, collaborations among major companies to develop sugar reduction solutions based on cane sugar further supported industrial consumption, contributing to the market's peak in physical volume that year. The market moderated in 2022 before rising again in 2023, sustained by ongoing consumer preference for organic options and supply chain adjustments.

As the period progressed toward 2024, significant capital investments were made to enhance production efficiency, exemplified by Bunge's $120 million upgrade to refining facilities aimed at meeting rising demand for industrial-grade sugar. New product segments such as fortified cane sugar emerged in response to health initiatives, while global factors like drought in Mexico affected U.S. supply dynamics by reducing cross-border exports. Regulatory adaptations in labeling and packaging continued to align with consumer expectations for traceability and natural products, maintaining the market's evolution.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the world's largest producer of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form.

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

Following a two-year decline, production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in the United States rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 38 174 K t, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 14.4%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 5.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 33 365 K t, with the largest drop of 13.8% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 27 890 M $ US, showing a robust year-on-year increase of 22.2%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 21 586 M $ US, when the largest decline of 23.1% was also recorded.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from the United States fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 6 K t, down 4.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 83.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 45.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the primary market for U.S. exports in kind, accounting for 75.0% of total flows, while the remaining volume was distributed among numerous other destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports from the United States increased. In 2020, exports were valued at 5 M $ US, up 2.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 83%, with an annualized decline of 44.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 M $ US, when the largest drop of 69.3% occurred.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Mexico accounted for 73.6% of total U.S. exports in value terms, with the remainder shared among many countries, each holding smaller individual shares.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into the United States rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 329 K t, reflecting a slight increase of 1.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 9%, equivalent to an annualized increase of 2.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for U.S. imports in kind were Mexico (32.7% of imports), Brazil (11.1%), and the Dominican Republic (8.3%), together accounting for 52.1% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of imported raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into the United States increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 142 M $ US, up 6.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 142 M $ US, when the largest decline of 6.2% occurred.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for U.S. imports in value terms were Mexico (34.0% of imports), Brazil (9.7%), and the Dominican Republic (8.8%), which together made up 52.5% of total flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020