Top 10 Sugar Producing Countries: Explore the Global Sugar Export Data

Sugar is one of the most widely produced and consumed commodities in the world, with a significant impact on both the global economy and the environment. Sugar is used in a wide range of industries, from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The production of sugar is a complex process that requires skilled labor, fertile land, and favorable climate conditions. As such, only a select few countries have the resources and infrastructure to be major players in the global sugar market.

According to the global trade data and sugar export data, the total value of global sugar exports accounted for $70.59 billion in 2024, an increase of 3.25% from the previous year. The total sugar export quantity in the world was around 68 million metric tons in 2024. The total quantity of global sugar production reached 187.9 million metric tons in 2024. Sugar comes under the 2-digit HS code chapter 17. In this article, we will explore the top 10 sugar-producing countries and delve into the global sugar export data to understand the dynamics of this vital industry.

A Closer Look at Global Sugar Production Trends

Cane cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions provides about 80% of the world's sugar. Sugar beets, which are primarily farmed in the Northern Hemisphere's temperate zones, account for the remaining 20%. The top producers of sugar in the world are China, India, Thailand, Brazil, and the United States. The European Union, which is made up of several nations, was excluded despite being situated between Thailand and India. Global sugar production increased by 10.6 million metric tons to 187.9 million metric tons in the 2024 crop year. 

Sugar production is influenced by a wide range of factors, including local politics, geopolitical events, and weather.  The expanded area dedicated to sugar growing in Brazil and India, which more than balanced a 12% production decline from Russia, is partly responsible for the anticipated increase in production during the 2023–2024 season.

Top 10 Sugar Producing Countries: Biggest Sugar Producers in the World

When it comes to sugar production on a global scale, certain countries stand out as the top producers, dominating the industry. Countries like Brazil, India, and China are among the biggest sugar producers in the world, with vast plantations dedicated to cultivating sugarcane. The top 10 sugar producers in the world, as per the global sugar production data in 2024, include:

1. Brazil: Leading the Sugar Production

Brazil takes the crown as the top sugar producer, churning out a staggering 43 million metric tons of sugar, which accounts for 23% of the global sugar production. The favorable climate and vast agricultural lands in Brazil make it a powerhouse in sugar production.

2. India: Close Contender for the Top Spot

India follows closely behind Brazil, producing 35.5 million metric tons of sugar, making up 19% of the global sugar output. India's large population and extensive sugarcane cultivation contribute significantly to its sugar production numbers.

3. European Union: A Major Sugar Producer in Europe

The European Union collectively produces 15.58 million metric tons of sugar, making it a significant player in the global sugar market. The region's advanced agriculture technology and subsidies for sugar farmers contribute to its high production levels.

4. China: Rising in Sugar Production

China has been steadily increasing its sugar production, reaching 11 million metric tons in 2024, accounting for 6% of the global sugar output. With the growing demand for sugar in the Chinese market, the country plays a crucial role in the sugar industry.

5. Thailand: A Key Player in Sugar Production

Thailand is another prominent sugar producer, generating 10.24 million metric tons of sugar, which constitutes 5% of the global sugar production. The country's tropical climate and fertile soil create ideal conditions for sugarcane cultivation.

6. United States: A Significant Sugar Producer

The United States produces 8.42 million metric tons of sugar, holding a 5% share in the global sugar output, as per US sugar export data. The country's advanced farming practices and technology ensure a steady supply of sugar to meet domestic and international demands.

7. Pakistan: Making Waves in Sugar Production

This country has been making strides in sugar production, producing 6.86 million metric tons of sugar, accounting for 4% of the global sugar output. The country's focus on modernizing its agricultural practices has led to increased sugar production levels.

8. Russia: A Growing Player in the Sugar Industry

Russia has seen a growth in sugar production, reaching 6.5 million metric tons in 2024, contributing 3% to the global sugar production. The country's efforts to boost its agricultural sector have resulted in higher sugar output.

9. Mexico: A Strong Contender in Sugar Production

Mexico produces 5.4 million metric tons of sugar, holding a 3% share in global sugar production. The country's rich agricultural heritage and favorable climate conditions support its significant role in the sugar industry.

10. Australia: A Noteworthy Sugar Producer

Australia wraps up the list of the top 10 sugar-producing countries, generating 4 million metric tons of sugar, making up 2% of the global sugar output. The country's focus on sustainable agriculture practices ensures a steady supply of high-quality sugar.

Which nations have the highest sugar consumption?

With 31 million tons, India consumed the most sugar in the 2024 season, followed by China (15.6 million) and the United States (11.5 million). This does not, however, take into consideration the variations in population among the various nations. With 126 grams of sugar per day, the average American consumes the most sugar per capita, followed by Germany and the Netherlands, each with 102 grams of sugar consumed per capita.

List of Top Sugar Exporters: Biggest Sugar Exporting Countries

The global sugar trade is dominated by several key players, making up the list of top sugar exporters and the biggest sugar-exporting countries worldwide. Leading the pack are Brazil, Thailand, and India, renowned for their massive sugar production capabilities and established export networks. Brazil is the biggest sugar exporter globally, as per Brazil export data. These top sugar-exporting countries play a pivotal role in satisfying global sweet cravings and driving the international sugar market with their vast production and export capacities. The top 10 sugar exporters in the world, as per the sugar export data by country and global sugar shipment data for 2024, include:

1. Brazil: $18.84 billion (23.4%)
2. Thailand: $4.50 billion (6.6%)
3. India: $4.27 billion (6.3%)
4. Germany: $3.97 billion (5.8%) 
5. China: $3.35 billion (4.4%)
6. France: $2.90 billion (4.3%)
7. USA: $3 billion (4%)
8. Netherlands: $2.45 billion (3.6%) 
9. Mexico: $2.33 billion (3.4%)
10. Belgium: $2.13 billion (3.1%)

Global Sugar Exports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Sugar Export Data

Sugar Production Trends since the Last Decade

• Global sugar production has shown a steady increase over the past ten years, with a 10-year average from MY 2015-2024 of 178.76 million metric tons.
• The compound average growth rate for sugar production during this period was 1%, indicating a consistent upward trend.
• In the specific period of 2023/2024, global sugar production reached 183.83 million metric tons. In 2024 alone, sugar production was 187.9 million tons.  
• Looking ahead to 2024/2025, the projection shows a further increase to 186.62 million metric tons.
• The year-over-year percentage change between these two years is noted at 2%, demonstrating a modest acceleration in global sugar production.

Key Trends Influencing the Sugar Market in 2024

• Climate Impact: Unfavorable weather conditions in major producing regions, such as Brazil, have contributed to concerns over tighter global sugar supplies.
• Policy Decisions: India's decision to permit the export of one million metric tons of sugar in the current season aims to support sugar mills and stabilize local prices.
• Health Trends: The rise in the use of weight-loss drugs that curb appetite has raised concerns among businesses about reduced demand for sugar and sweet products.

Sugar Pricing Trends in 2024

• Global Price Movements: Sugar prices experienced volatility throughout 2024. In February, global sugar prices surged by 6.6% due to anticipated tighter supplies and unfavorable weather conditions in major producing regions like Brazil.
• However, by November, prices retreated as the International Sugar Organization (ISO) projected a global sugar surplus of 1.31 million metric tons for the 2023/24 season, up from an earlier estimate of 200,000 metric tons.
• Regional Price Variations: In North America, sugar markets displayed varied trends in the final quarter of 2024. US sugar prices stabilized in December after earlier increases, supported by moderate retail demand and sufficient inventories. The USDA revised the U.S. sugar ending stocks-to-use ratio upward to 13.5%, indicating a stable supply outlook.

Sugar Production Costs Across Major Producers

• India: The cost of producing raw sugar in India was approximately $470 per metric ton.
• European Union: Refined sugar production costs in the EU exceeded $700 per metric ton. This increase was primarily due to higher processing losses attributed to excessive rainfall, leading to higher dirt and water content in sugar beets.
• Thailand: Thailand maintained a competitive production cost for raw sugar at around $458 per metric ton.

Global Sugar Pricing Trends in 2024

Average Monthly Sugar Prices (2024) – Raw Sugar (USD/MT)

Key Takeaways

• Sugar prices peaked at $550 per metric ton in June 2024 due to lower production in key markets.
• Prices fell by 12% in the last quarter of 2024 as Brazil increased exports and India permitted additional sugar exports.
• Prices remain volatile due to climate concerns and shifting consumer trends.

Production Costs Across Major Sugar Producers

Sugar Production Costs by Country (2024) – Raw Sugar

Key Takeaways

• Brazil and Thailand maintain the lowest production costs, below $460 per metric ton.
• The EU has the highest costs (~$700/MT), mainly due to increased labor wages and processing losses caused by excessive rainfall.
• India’s production costs increased by 7.5%, affected by higher wages and water scarcity in certain regions.

Global Sugar Market Outlook: Regional Analysis for 2024 and Forecast for 2025

The global sugar industry in 2024 underwent significant changes influenced by climatic conditions, policy decisions, and evolving consumer behaviors. This report provides a regional analysis of sugar production and export trends in 2024, along with a forecast for 2025.

1. Asia

India: In the 2024/25 marketing year, India's sugar production is projected to decline by 19.1% to 25.8 million metric tons, marking the first time in eight years that production has fallen below the consumption level of 29 million tons. Consequently, India's opening stock for the 2025/26 season is expected to drop to 3.78 million tons from 7.98 million tons the previous year.

Philippines: The country operates 25 sugar mills, with the largest sugarcane areas found in the Negros Island Region, accounting for 51% of sugarcane areas planted. The industry provides direct employment to approximately 700,000 sugarcane workers across 19 sugar-producing provinces. The Philippines is also one of the top sugar exporters, as per the Philippines customs export data. 

2. North America

United States: The U.S. sugar market remained stable in 2024, with prices stabilizing in December after earlier increases, as per the North America trade data. This stability was supported by moderate retail demand and sufficient inventories. The USDA revised the U.S. sugar ending stocks-to-use ratio upward to 13.5%, indicating a stable supply outlook.

Mexico: Mexico's sugar production remained steady, with exports primarily directed to the United States under trade agreements. Mexico is also a top exporter of sugar, as per Mexico customs export data. 

3. South America

Brazil: As the world's largest sugar producer and exporter, Brazil's sugar industry faced challenges due to unfavorable weather conditions, leading to concerns over tighter global sugar supplies. However, the country managed to stabilize production levels, maintaining its dominant position in the global sugar market. Brazil remains the leading sugar exporter, as per the Brazil sugar export data. 

4. Europe

European Union: The EU experienced higher production costs, exceeding USD 700 per metric ton as per the Europe trade data, primarily due to increased labor wages and processing losses caused by excessive rainfall. Despite these challenges, the EU maintained stable production levels to meet domestic demand.

5. Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa: Sugar production in Sub-Saharan Africa remained relatively stable, with countries like South Africa and Swaziland maintaining their production levels. However, infrastructure challenges and climate variability continue to pose risks to the region's sugar industry.

Global Sugar Market Forecast for 2025

• Production: Global sugar production is expected to recover slightly in 2025, assuming favorable weather conditions and improved agricultural practices. However, regions affected by the 2024 climatic events may take longer to return to previous production levels.
• Consumption: The rise in the use of weight-loss drugs containing GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, which curb appetites, has raised concerns among businesses and investors about reduced demand for sugar and sweet products. Notable companies like Mondelez, PepsiCo, and Hershey's have reported a decline in sales attributed to the increasing use of these drugs.
• Prices: Sugar prices are anticipated to remain volatile in 2025, influenced by production levels, policy decisions, and global economic conditions.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

In conclusion, the global sugar industry is a complex and dynamic sector that is heavily influenced by the production capabilities of key players around the world. By exploring the top 10 sugar-producing countries and their export data, we can gain valuable insights into the trends and patterns shaping this vital industry. From Brazil to India, these countries play a significant role in the sugar industry, contributing to the sweet supply that satisfies the world's sugar cravings. These countries play a significant role in supplying sugar products to consumers & businesses worldwide and will remain key players in the sweet world of sugar production.

As we wrap up this informative and insightful blog report, we would like you to visit TradeImeX for more interactive reports on global sugar export data and exclusive market trends. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in and get a list of the top sugar-exporting companies in the world.

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