International sugar statistics
The international sugar season runs from September to August |
More than 100 countries produce sugar, 78% of which is made from
sugar cane grown primarily in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of
the southern hemisphere, and the balance from sugar beet which is
grown mainly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.
Generally, the costs of producing sugar from sugar cane are lower
than those in respect of processing sugar beets. Currently 69% of
the world’s sugar is consumed in the country of origin whilst the
balance is traded on world markets.
The five largest exporters in 2006/07, Brazil, Thailand, Australia, SADC and Guatemala, are expected to supply approximately 80% of all world free market exports. South Africa is currently ranked as the eighth largest exporter to the world market.
Top ten producers 2006/07:
|
2006/07 est. |
PRODUCTION
MILLION TONS |
EXPORTS
MILLION TONS |
POPULATION
MILLIONS |
PER
CAPITA CONSUMPTION KGS |
| Brazil |
33 591 |
22 200 [1] |
188 |
56 |
| India |
27 174 |
1 341 [6] |
1 117 |
20 |
| EU |
16 762 |
1 228 [7] |
457 |
42 |
| China |
11 630 |
- |
1 314 |
10 |
| United States |
7 661 |
- |
298 |
32 |
| Thailand |
7 011 |
4 528 [2] |
65 |
39 |
| Mexico |
5 543 |
380 [12] |
107 |
52 |
| SADC |
5 419 |
2 339 [4] |
157 |
23 |
| Australia |
5 156 |
3 958 [3] |
20 |
50 |
| Pakistan |
3 813 |
- |
166 |
25 |
| [#] = World export ranking |
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Global sugar consumption continues to increase by
about 2% per annum, and in 2006/07 is expected to reach almost 154
million tons. |
Global sugar production in 2006/07 is estimated at 161 million tons,
80% of which is produced by the world's top ten sugar producers. |
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| Currently, 69% of the world’s sugar is
consumed in the countries of origin, whilst the balance is traded on
world markets. |
Long-term potential for consumption growth, particularly in Southern
African countries, remains positive. Consumption growth in China has
increased as a result of the bouyant economic conditions currently
being experienced in that country. |
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 Higher world market prices during the past two years provided the
incentive amongst sugar producers worldwide to expand their cane and
beet sugar crops. The resultant increased sugar availability has
served to dampen world market prices which have fallen from US20
cents/lb in February 2006 to around US10 cents/lb at the end of
March 2007.
 Preferential prices in the EU and US remain at a significant
premium to the world sugar price. In terms of the EU Sugar Regime
reform, a uniform price is now being paid for ACP (African,
Caribbean and Pacific) and EBA (Everything But Arms) sugar protocol
exports. The ongoing strength of the
Euro continues to benefit these prices in US dollar terms. |
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Domestic sugar prices in the South African Customs Union
remain substantially below those of some developed nations. |
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The most recent independent survey of international sugar
production costs covering in excess of 100 sugar producing countries
indicated that, of the six countries in which Illovo operates, three are
in the top 15 lowest-cost cane sugar producers in the world, and all six
are within the top 25. |
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