Sucrose in solid form market in India

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chemically pure sucrose in solid form in India began the period at 27 963 thousand tons in 2018 before contracting to 21 693 thousand tons by 2020. This decline was initially influenced by a shift in consumer preferences toward healthier options, which moderated demand. The drop accelerated in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to sugarcane harvesting, processing, and supply chains, while concurrent adjustments to export policy further reduced domestic availability.

Market volume recovered to 22 638 thousand tons in 2021, driven by increased investments from major state-owned sugar companies into production capacity. Stabilization followed in 2022, with volume reaching 22 735 thousand tons, supported by government-imposed export restrictions designed to secure adequate domestic supply. Post-pandemic modifications to distribution regulations also improved logistical efficiency during this phase.

A substantial rebound occurred in 2023, with market volume surging to 28 998 thousand tons. This growth was primarily fueled by significantly improved monsoon conditions, which boosted sugarcane yields and milling activity. The Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association played a key role in market coordination. For the 2024–25 marketing year, the government has permitted sugar exports with a cap of one million tons, reflecting active international trade and ongoing global demand influences.

Production sucrose in solid form in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, India maintained its position as the world's leading producer of sucrose in solid form.

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

India's production of sucrose in solid form declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 27 077 K t, marking a modest decrease of 9.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 30 364 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase of 20.6% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

India's production value of sucrose in solid form fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 9 730 M $ US, showing a slight decline of 2.5% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 21.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.6%.

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

Exports sucrose in solid form from India

Exports in kind, K t

India's exports of sucrose in solid form increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 5 387 K t, up by 41.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 190.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 42.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India exported sucrose in solid form to a wide range of markets. Even the top three destinations—Sudan, Somalia, and Sri Lanka—together accounted for only 41.9% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

India's export value of sucrose in solid form rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 936 M $ US, reflecting a sharp increase of 52.6% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 112.7%, with a CAGR of 28.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 873 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 4.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India's export value of sucrose in solid form was highly diversified geographically. The top three markets—Sudan (21.1%), Somalia (11.3%), and Sri Lanka (8.5%)—together made up only 40.9% of total exports, while the remaining 59.1% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports sucrose in solid form to India

Imports in kind, K t

India's imports of sucrose in solid form showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 12 K t, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 6.1 times. In 2020, imports stood at 3 K t, indicating an increase of 30.8% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 83.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 128.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of sucrose in solid form to India were Pakistan (58.2% of imports in volume), the United Arab Emirates (13.8%), and Germany (6.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 78.5% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

India's import value of sucrose in solid form experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 5 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 10 M $ US, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports reached 10 M $ US, up by 90.5% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2019 at 49.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 94.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany (39.7% of imports in value), the United States (17.5%), and Pakistan (14.1%) were the leading sources in India's import structure for sucrose in solid form. Combined, they represented 71.2% of total import value.

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

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