Sugar cane market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

Thailand's sugar cane production for human consumption declined sharply from 135.1 million tons in 2018 to a low of 66.7 million tons in 2021, representing a drop of over 50%. The market then rebounded over the next two years, reaching 92.2 million tons in 2022 and stabilizing near 94 million tons in 2023.

In 2024, the Thai government and major industry players introduced a series of measures aimed at promoting green harvesting practices. These included increased financial incentives for fresh cane cutting, stricter penalties for field burning, and the adoption of satellite technology to monitor compliance, all part of a broader effort to reduce PM2.5 pollution and improve cane quality.

Production sugar cane in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand maintained its position as the world's third-largest producer of sugar cane by volume.

Top producers of sugar cane, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar cane, 2017-2020

Sugar cane production in Thailand declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 75.0 million tonnes of sugar cane, a decrease of 42.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 19.5%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 7.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 135.1 million tonnes, marking the largest increase of 45.1% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, M t

Exports sugar cane from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated dramatically, with a 594 551-fold difference between the low of 2019 and the high of 2018. In 2020, Thailand exported 3 860 tonnes of sugar cane, representing a dramatic increase of 6 432 913.9% compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 35 673 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 100.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market structure was highly concentrated, with Laos alone accounting for 98.3% of Thailand's total sugar cane exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. The highest value was recorded in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 6 424 times. In 2020, Thailand exported sugar cane worth 113 thousand US dollars, an increase of 58 244.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.2 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 100.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Laos dominated Thailand's export partner structure in value terms, holding a 72.1% share of total flows, while other markets had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports sugar cane to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, representing a 955 818-fold shift. In 2020, Thailand imported a total of 0.0 tonnes of sugar cane, an increase of 300.0% compared to the previous year. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 100.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Thailand's sugar cane imports in volume terms, with a share of 99.9%.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 1 321-fold difference between these years. In 2020, sugar cane shipments to Thailand from abroad amounted to 0.2 thousand US dollars, up by 200.4% compared with 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2019, with a drop of 99.9%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, 99.6% of Thailand's total sugar cane imports in value terms were directed to Myanmar, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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