Sugar cane market in Bangladesh

Earlier Report Observations

Sugar cane production in Bangladesh began the period at 3 639 thousand tonnes in 2018, supported by a government push for self-sufficiency in sugar and jaggery output. However, this was countered by constraints such as shrinking arable land and low sugar extraction rates at mills. Output then fell to 3 142 thousand tonnes in 2019 as sugarcane yields per hectare reported a clear decline.

A sharp recovery to 3 683 thousand tonnes occurred in 2020, driven by a pronounced increase in crop yield that year. Production subsequently entered a downward trend, falling to 2 983 thousand tonnes by 2023. This later period was marked by shifting consumer preferences in the processed food and confectionery sectors toward healthier options with less sugar, which indirectly affected demand patterns. Throughout, the government continued to promote domestic cane cultivation and explored diversifying into crops like tropical sugar beet to sustain the industry.

Production sugar cane in Bangladesh

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sugar cane, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar cane, 2017-2020

Bangladesh's sugar cane production rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, the country produced 3 683 K t of sugar cane, marking a significant 17.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 142 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 13.7%.

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

Exports sugar cane from Bangladesh

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, Bangladesh exported 49 575 kg of sugar cane, representing a sharp 387.0% increase year-over-year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia dominated Bangladesh's sugar cane exports in volume, accounting for 85.9% of total flows, while numerous smaller partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Bangladesh's sugar cane exports reached 55 280 US dollars in 2020, up by 269.8% compared to the previous year.

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

During 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia and Japan were the dominant markets for Bangladesh's sugar cane exports in value terms, jointly representing 87.2% of total flows, with other countries accounting for the residual share.

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

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

Imports sugar cane to Bangladesh

Imports in kind, kg

Bangladesh's sugar cane imports showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 18 kg, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 7 510 kg, representing a 417-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 18 kg, marking a sharp 89.9% decrease year-over-year. The largest decline of 97.4% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 41 622.2% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bangladesh in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Singapore and Myanmar together accounted for 92.0% of Bangladesh's sugar cane imports in volume, with other countries forming a diverse but less significant portion.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Bangladesh's sugar cane import market exhibited volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 7 US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 15 020 US dollars, representing a 2 083-fold swing. In 2020, imports totaled 1 725 US dollars, indicating a sharp 88.5% decline compared to the previous year. The largest decrease of 99.6% was recorded in 2018, while the largest increase of 208 221.6% occurred in 2019.

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

During 2017-2020, Singapore and Myanmar jointly absorbed 89.6% of Bangladesh's sugar cane imports in value terms, with the remaining volume distributed across smaller markets.

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

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