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Sugar Suppliers: The Largest Sugar Exporting Countries
Sugar is traded in very large cargoes, and one country dominates the supply. Brazil alone ships almost half of the sugar that crosses borders.
The largest exporters
According to OEC trade data for 2024, world exports of sugar were worth about USD 42.7 billion. Brazil supplied 48.0 percent of world trade. Thailand (6.1 percent), India (5.0), France (4.0), Australia (3.9) and Germany (3.0) followed. Brazil, Thailand and Australia ship mostly cane sugar, and France and Germany ship beet sugar, mainly inside Europe and to neighbouring regions.
The largest buyers
Indonesia (6.6 percent of world imports), the United States (5.6), Saudi Arabia (4.9), China (4.1), India (3.9) and the United Arab Emirates (3.0) were the largest importers in 2024. Buyers are of two kinds: food and drink makers that need refined white sugar, and refiners that buy raw sugar and refine it themselves, often in the Gulf or in Asia.
Raw and refined sugar
Raw cane sugar is sold in bulk and refined later in the importing country. Refined white sugar is described by its colour grade, the ICUMSA number: the lower the number, the whiter the sugar. ICUMSA 45 is the standard grade for white sugar, and raw sugar has a much higher number. A contract names the grade, the polarisation, the moisture and the size of the crystal, and the inspection company that checks them.
How sugar is shipped
Raw sugar goes in bulk on Handysize, Supramax and Panamax ships, loaded from dedicated sugar terminals, and large lots are often 25,000 tonnes and more. Refined sugar is usually bagged in 50 kg bags or big bags. Sugar takes up moisture, so holds must be dry and clean. The Shipfixing guide to the Supramax and Handymax size classes helps you match the ship to the cargo.
Terms and documents
Most bulk sugar is sold FOB from the producing country or CIF to the buyer's port; see FOB vs CFR vs CIF. Expect the inspection certificate for quality and quantity, the certificate of origin, the commercial invoice and the bill of lading. See export and import documents.
Seasons and supply
Sugar follows the crop. The Brazilian cane harvest runs roughly from April to November, so most Brazilian cargoes ship in those months, while Thailand and India harvest later in the year. Weather in one big producer moves supply for everybody, so buyers often agree their shipment periods early and keep some flexibility on the loading port.
Sourcing sugar on Comdity
Look at the sell offers and buy requests on the sugar page and post your own listing with the grade, the quantity, the origin and the port. Use offer and counteroffer to agree the terms. Ask for an independent inspection and agree who pays for it before the ship arrives.
The largest exporting and importing countries (2024)
| Top exporting countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 48% |
| Thailand | 6.1% |
| India | 5% |
| France | 4% |
| Australia | 3.9% |
| Germany | 3% |
| Guatemala | 1.8% |
| Morocco | 1.8% |
| Top importing countries | Share of world trade |
|---|---|
| Indonesia | 6.6% |
| United States | 5.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | 4.9% |
| China | 4.1% |
| India | 3.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | 3% |
| Italy | 2.7% |
| Malaysia | 2.7% |
Source: OEC (BACI/CEPII), 2024, customs codes 1701. The figures count trade by every mode of transport, not only by sea.
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FOB vs CFR vs CIF · Export and import documents · Offer and counteroffer · All guides