The sugar-energy sector faces volatility.

The week ended with another round of sharp declines in the New York sugar futures market, with the March/26 contract closing at 14.42 cents per pound-weight, accumulating a retraction of 55 points, which is equivalent to about US$12 per ton. According to analysis by agribusiness consultant Arnaldo Luiz Corrêa, the environment remains tainted by the pessimism following "sugar week," reflecting the excess negativity and the speculative movement of funds. UNICA figures indicate accumulated cane crushing of 525 million tons, with an expectation to reach 595 million by the end of the season, sustained by an average ATR of 136.27 kg/t and a sugar mix of 52.36%. This maintains the projection of 40.5 million tons of sugar, which could drop to 40 million if ethanol production increases in March. Brazil exported 33.3 million tons in the last 12 months and increased its share of the global market by 6%, reinforcing the country's position as the world's leading supplier. The recent drop is ...