Rabobank: Emerging countries move sugar market

Rabobank's report to the World Sugar Map reveals the significant shifts in the European sugar market post-2017 reforms, which have increased the dependence of Dutch sugar beet growers on the global sugar market. The abolition of the EU's sugar quota in 2017 led to a surge in EU sugar production and exports, but these gains were offset by a regional drought in 2018 and the closure of European sugar factories. Consequently, the EU has alternated between importing and exporting sugar based on its production levels. Meanwhile, sugar consumption continues to rise in emerging markets, particularly in Africa and Asia, driven by changing dietary habits and urbanization. Brazil, Thailand, and India are key sugar producers, with Brazil being the largest exporter. Globally, sugar production and consumption trends show stable or slightly declining trends in developed economies but significant growth in Asia and Africa. For the 2020/2021 season, global sugar production is projected to reach 181.9 million tons, while consumption is expected to reach 173.8 million tons.