Sugar cane market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The sugar cane market in Northern America experienced significant fluctuations in volume between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 31 337 thousand metric tons in 2018, the market contracted to 28 974 thousand metric tons in 2019, then expanded sharply to a peak of 32 750 thousand metric tons in 2020. This was followed by a decline to 29 791 thousand metric tons in 2021, a recovery to 31 455 thousand metric tons in 2022, and another reduction to 29 899 thousand metric tons in 2023.

The market decline in 2023 was partly attributable to the closure of the last cane sugar processor in Texas during the 2023/24 period, which removed production capacity due to water supply uncertainties linked to the administration of the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. Concurrently, long-term consumer trends favored organic and unrefined cane sugar products, supported by government initiatives promoting sustainable farming in some regions, though this did not offset the supply-side constraints in the short term.

Regulatory frameworks, including U.S. tariff-rate quotas on sugar imports and increased government intervention in the market, provided structure for trade. Activity from major confectionery companies launching innovative products, influenced by social media trends, reflected ongoing efforts to cater to health-conscious consumers, even as annual market volumes remained volatile.

Production sugar cane in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sugar cane, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar cane, 2017-2020

In 2019, Northern America produced 28 973 thousand metric tons of sugar cane, marking the lowest output in recent years. Production then rebounded in 2020, reaching 32 749 thousand metric tons—a 13.0% increase from the previous year. Over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 8.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 7.5%.

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

Exports sugar cane from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Northern America exported just 1 metric ton of sugar cane, showing minimal change from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2020, exports declined by 31.3%, with an average annual decrease of 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, France and the Dominican Republic dominated Northern America's sugar cane exports in volume terms, together accounting for 96.4% of total shipments. The remaining 3.6% was spread across various other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of sugar cane exports from Northern America was 2.0 thousand US dollars, holding steady compared to 2019. From 2018 to 2020, export values fell by 24.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Dominican Republic and France were the key markets for Northern America's sugar cane exports in value terms, jointly representing 95.8% of total export revenue. Other destinations made up the remaining 4.2%.

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

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

Imports sugar cane to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two consecutive years, Northern America's sugar cane imports dropped in 2020 to 657 metric tons—a 43.5% decrease from 2019. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 162 metric tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 34.1%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 14.6%, averaging an annual decrease of 5.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Costa Rica, China, and Jamaica were the top sources for Northern America's sugar cane imports by volume. Costa Rica contributed 58.7% of imports, China 17.2%, and Jamaica 6.4%, together making up 82.3% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Northern America's sugar cane imports declined for the second year in a row in 2020, totaling 602.9 thousand US dollars—a 20.6% drop from 2019. The highest import value was in 2018 at 774.4 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 15.3%. From 2017 to 2020, import values decreased by 10.3%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica, China, and Jamaica led Northern America's sugar cane imports in value terms. Costa Rica accounted for 39.1% of import value, China for 26.3%, and Jamaica for 6.9%, collectively representing 72.4% of total import spending.

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

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