Sugar retreats in the domestic and external market with the start of the 2026/27 harvest; ethanol widens losses in April

The sugar market started the week under pressure in Brazil and abroad, reflecting the progress of the 2026/27 crop, adjustments in domestic supply, and an unstable international scenario. Surveys from Cepea indicate a drop in crystal sugar quotes in the spot market, while international exchanges maintain a downward trajectory. Crystal sugar quotes registered a slight drop in the balance of the last week, with moderate fluctuations in the first few days and a reaction at the end of the period, when prices returned to approach R$ 106 per 50 kg bag. According to Cepea researchers, the spot market continues to be impacted by the start of the 2026/27 crop. Part of the mills has directed the initial production to VHP sugar, aimed at export, reducing the availability of white crystal sugar in the short term. This scenario contributed to sustaining quotes in the second half of the week, even in the face of a more contained demand environment. On the demand side, the market showed more ...