Sugar Export 2023: Brazil Dominates

Global Sugar Export Market Landscape

In global trade, Sugar is tracked under HS Code 1701, covering raw and refined sugar products. As a highly traded soft commodity, it serves as a critical input for food processing and direct consumption, making it sensitive to agricultural output and global demand shifts.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global sugar exports in 2023 showed strong but volatile performance, peaking at $3.87B in November before closing at $2.00B in December. Brazil’s dominance and supply fluctuations drove much of this volatility.
• Geographic Power: Supply is hyper-concentrated, with Brazil controlling 55% of export value, while demand is fragmented across emerging markets like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. Trade flows are predominantly South-to-East, with exporters holding pricing leverage.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is dominated by a few high-volume suppliers ("Dominators"), who account for 77% of shipments. Importers rely heavily on large, infrequent orders, leaving little flexibility for spot buyers.

Global Sugar Export Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Global Sugar exports in 2023 demonstrated significant volatility, driven by shifting trade volumes and market dynamics.

• Aggregate Performance: The sector showed strong overall performance with substantial monthly value fluctuations, reflecting dynamic global demand and supply conditions.
• Period Dynamics: Trade momentum was highly variable, opening at $2.25B in January and closing at $2.00B in December after reaching a mid-year peak of $3.87B in November.

Table: Sugar Export Trend in 2023 Whole Year

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Sugar Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Brazil dominates global supply, controlling 55% of export value ($19.32B) and 65% of export volume (1.84B kg). This indicates overwhelming supplier influence.
• Supply is highly consolidated. The top 3 exporters (Brazil, India, Thailand) command 79% of global export value ($19.32B + $6.45B + $1.98B = $27.75B / $35.1B total top 10 value).
• India (Rank 2, 18% value share) and Thailand (Rank 3, 6% value share) act as major challengers, though significantly smaller than Brazil. Mexico (Rank 4, 6% value share) is notable for its high export volume.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• Key buyers are fragmented. Indonesia (Rank 1, 9% import value) and the United States (Rank 2, 6% import value) lead, but no single importer commands dominant share.
• Demand is driven primarily by end-consumer markets. Top importers like Indonesia, US, Bangladesh, Nigeria, China, and Saudi Arabia represent large populations with significant direct sugar consumption. Mexico's presence (Rank 6 importer, Rank 4 exporter) suggests some processing/re-export activity.
• Emerging markets are prominent, including Bangladesh (Rank 4, 5% value), Nigeria (Rank 5, 4% value), and Sri Lanka (Rank 8, 3% value), reflecting rising consumption in developing economies.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Extremely concentrated supply meets highly fragmented global demand. Brazil's near-monopoly position contrasts sharply with the wide dispersion of major importers.
• Flow is primarily South to East/Global North: Major exporters (Brazil, India, Thailand, Colombia) supply consumer markets across Asia (Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Sri Lanka), North America (US), Africa (Nigeria), and the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, UAE).
• Pricing power firmly rests with exporters, especially Brazil. Its massive scale and market share give it significant leverage over numerous, smaller buyers globally.

Table: Global Sugar Export —— Top Destination Countries

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Table: Global Sugar Export —— Top origin Countries

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Global Sugar Export Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center: Highly Consolidated. Dominators (77% of shipments) control 68% of export value.
• Operational Style: High-frequency shipping dominates – 85% of exporters (High+Low Freq clusters) prioritize regular shipments over bulk.
• Buyer Implication: Heavy reliance on few Dominators (e.g., San Miguel, Shri Dutt) creates supply chain vulnerability. Limited spot market flexibility.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Overwhelmingly large, infrequent stockpiling. Dominators (62% of shipments) handle 94% of volume.
• Market Tier: Extreme consolidation. Dominators drive 93% of import quantity. Low-Value/High-Frequency buyers are insignificant (0.27% volume).

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Exporter: Target Dominators' supply chains or Bulk Movers for spot opportunities. Avoid retail-focused models.
• New Importer: Secure long-term contracts with Dominator exporters. Build backup plans with Bulk Movers. Expect high MOQs.
• Negotiation: Dominators hold pricing power. Bulk Movers offer leverage during surplus periods.

Table: Global Sugar Export —— Top Buyers

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Table: Global Sugar Export —— Top Suppliers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Sugar?

The HS Code for Sugar is 1701, covering raw and refined sugars including cane sugar, beet sugar, and chemically pure sucrose.

Which country is the largest exporter of Sugar in 2023 Whole Year?

Brazil dominated global sugar exports in 2023, shipping 19.32B worth of sugar and accounting for the highest export value among all origins.

Who are the top importers of Sugar in 2023 Whole Year?

The top importers were Indonesia ($3.05B), United States ($2.21B), and India ($1.89B). These represent major consumption markets and regional distribution hubs.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Sugar in 2023 Whole Year?

Key suppliers include SHREE RENUKA SUGARS LIMITED (India) and SHRI DUTT INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, while top buyers are CSC SUGAR, LLC (US) and SUCDEN PERU S.A.

Why do Sugar import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Trade asymmetries occur because export data records intended destinations (FOB value), while import data reflects actual arrivals (CIF value). Discrepancies also arise from trans-shipments through intermediary hubs.

How to find reliable Sugar suppliers and exporters in 2023 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records, bill of lading details, and active supplier lists for HS Code 1701 via the yTrade database, covering key regions like Brazil.