World: US sugar production in 2024/25 to remain at record level

However, the forecast does not take into account the eventual impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on Florida, the second-largest sugarcane producer in the US after Louisiana. The USDA said its estimate was made before the two major storms. However, there is little evidence of significant damage to Florida’s sugarcane crop, as most of the region is further south into the path of the storms. But excessive moisture as harvest approaches is a factor that makes operating machinery more difficult. The USDA said record US sugar production will lead to less imports, with foreign imports estimated to fall by as much as 33% in 2024/25. Supplies are plentiful, with the USDA estimating a stocks-to-use ratio of 14.3%, higher than the average of 13.5%. In Mexico, sugar production in 2024/25 is forecast at 5.4 million tonnes, up 8% from the previous season, as favorable weather conditions and seasonal rainfall in sugar-producing regions have helped alleviate the drought experienced in ...