Sucrose in solid form market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chemically pure sucrose in solid form within MERCOSUR began the period at 9.97 million metric tons in 2018, remaining nearly stable at 9.93 million in 2019 before contracting to 8.72 million in 2020.

A sustained recovery and expansion followed from 2021 onward, with market volume growing to 9.33 million metric tons in 2021, then surging to 13.13 million in 2022 and reaching 14.63 million in 2023. This strong growth phase aligned with the implementation of the MERCOSUR Action Plan on Hazardous Chemical Substances 2021-2024, which harmonized regulations and promoted the Globally Harmonized System across the bloc, streamlining production and market access. The formal accession of Bolivia as a full member and the conclusion of the MERCOSUR-European Union free trade agreement further integrated the regional market, supporting increased production volumes.

In 2024, ongoing regulatory harmonization under the Action Plan continued alongside the introduction of new bloc-wide labeling rules and pressures from rising agricultural input costs, while trade data indicated sustained export activity from the region.

Production sucrose in solid form in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, sucrose in solid form production in MERCOSUR increased in 2020. That year, 12 749 K t were produced, marking a 7.0% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 27.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 11 920 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 25.8% drop.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, MERCOSUR's sucrose in solid form production value showed an increase in 2020. Output was valued at 4 427 M $ US, remaining relatively stable year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 43.4%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 17.3%. The minimum value was 4 407 M $ US in 2019, and the most significant decline took place in 2018 with a 37.1% reduction.

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

Exports sucrose in solid form from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, representing a 2.8-fold difference. In 2020, sucrose in solid form exports from MERCOSUR totaled 4 046 K t, a substantial increase of 103.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 993 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 43.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (9.3% of exports in kind), Angola (8.6%), and Benin (7.6%) formed the largest group of buyers for sucrose in solid form from MERCOSUR. However, their combined share accounted for only 25.5% of total exports in kind, indicating a diversified country structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during these years. Export values varied 3.3 times between the high in 2017 and the low in 2019. In 2020, cross-border shipments of sucrose in solid form from MERCOSUR amounted to 1 405 M $ US, reflecting a 90.7% year-over-year increase. The minimum value was 737 M $ US in 2019, and the largest decline was recorded in 2018 with a 52.4% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms were distributed across a broad range of partner countries. The United Arab Emirates (9.0% of exports in value terms), Angola (8.1%), and the United States (7.1%) together accounted for just 24.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sucrose in solid form to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, showing a 20-fold variation. In 2020, MERCOSUR's sucrose in solid form imports totaled 16 K t, representing a sharp increase of 392.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was 3 K t in 2019, and the largest decline occurred that same year with a 92.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico (with 5.0% of total flows) and the United States (1.1%) were the leading markets for imports in kind of sucrose in solid form to MERCOSUR.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, sucrose in solid form shipments to MERCOSUR from abroad were recorded at 26 M $ US, corresponding to a strong increase of 19.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 33.4%, equating to a 12.7% annualized rate. The minimum value was 22 M $ US in 2019, while the maximum value was 53 M $ US in 2018. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 59.5% drop, and the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 37.4% rise.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the three largest markets—Mexico, the United States, and Chile—remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 7.1% of total flows.

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

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