What makes sugar one of the most sought-after commodities in the world? With global sugar production reaching approximately 180 million metric tons in the 2023/24 season, this versatile ingredient plays a vital role in food, beverages, and even bioenergy. Leading producers like Brazil, India, and the EU dominate the market, shaping the global trade landscape.
As countries strive to meet the increasing demand for sugar, various factors such as climate, agricultural practices, and international policies come into play. This blog explores the biggest sugar-producing countries, highlighting their contributions and significance in the ever-evolving global sugar market.
List of 10 Biggest Sugar Producers in the World
Here is the list of the biggest sugar producers in the world.
- Brazil
- India
- EU
- China
- Thailand
- USA
- Russia
- Pakistan
- Mexico
- Australia
1) Brazil
Brazil continues to lead the world in sugar production. In the 2023/24 season, the country produced an incredible 45.54 million metric tons of sugar. Approximately 9 million hectares of sugarcane plants are the reason for the nation’s dominance in the sugar business. Brazil is a major player in the global sugar market, producing about half of the world’s sugar exports and producing approximately 40% of the world’s sugar.
The south-central region of Brazil is where most sugarcane is cultivated because of the region’s ideal climate for producing large amounts of crop yields. Approximately 90% of the nation’s sugarcane is produced in this region. Also, Brazil’s sugar industry is closely linked to its ethanol industry, as sugarcane is also processed to produce bioethanol, a key fuel in the country’s energy mix.
Apart from being a top sugar producer, Brazil is known for its efficient and sustainable agricultural practices. Many mills use sugarcane byproducts, such as bagasse, for energy generation, reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. Given its large-scale production and export-oriented economy, Brazil’s sugar industry plays a pivotal role in its economy, contributing significantly to both employment and revenue.
2) India
India is the world’s second-largest producer of sugar, with an astounding 34 million metric tons produced in the 2023/24 season. An enormous workforce engaged in processing and distribution, as well as more than 50 million farmers, are employed by the nation’s sugar business, which is vital to its agricultural economy. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the main producers of sugarcane, with Uttar Pradesh being the major producer.
Due to its widespread use in traditional meals and drinks, sugar is in high demand domestically and is driven by the country’s advantageous climate. The nation consumes over 27 million metric tons of sugar annually, making it both a significant producer and consumer of sugar. Despite high domestic demand, India still exports a significant portion of its sugar, playing a vital role in the global sugar market.
Besides producing sugar, India’s sugarcane industry is vital for ethanol production, which contributes to the country’s renewable energy goals. Recent government policies encouraging the blending of ethanol with petrol have further boosted the sugarcane industry’s significance, making India a strong force in both the food and energy sectors.
3) EU
Among the world’s leading producers of sugar, the European Union (EU) produced a total of 14.99 million metric tons during the 2023/24 season. The mainstay of the EU’s sugar business is the production of sugar beets, which are cultivated in several of its member nations, including the Netherlands, France, Germany, and Poland. France and Germany are major producers of sugar in the EU, making for about half of the entire production in the region.
Unlike sugarcane, sugar beet grows well in Europe’s colder environment, and the EU’s effective agricultural methods have contributed to steady production levels. Modern farming techniques and sustainable agriculture methods that increase yields while lowering environmental effects are beneficial to the European sugar industry.
Although the EU is largely self-sufficient in sugar production, it plays a notable role in global trade. The region both exports and imports sugar, ensuring supply-demand balance, especially in years with fluctuating yields. Additionally, EU policies regulate sugar prices and production quotas, aiming to protect both farmers and the market.
The EU’s sugar industry also aligns with its renewable energy goals, as byproducts like beet pulp are often used in bioenergy production, further enhancing the sustainability of the sector.
4) China
With 9.9 million metric tons produced in the 2023/24 season, China is a major player in the world sugar production market. Sugarcane, which is mainly grown in the southern provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guangdong (Guangxi alone provides about 70% of the country’s sugar) is the main source of sugar in China. Another important crop for China’s sugar industry is sugar beet, which is grown mostly in the country’s northern areas, in places like Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia.
China is a large manufacturer, however the amount consumed domestically outweighs the amount produced. China, which consumes over 15 million metric tons of sugar annually, is still a net importer of the commodity, depending on imports to close the supply-demand imbalance. The country’s rising middle class and increasing demand for processed foods have fueled this high consumption rate.
To address this shortfall, China has been working on improving its agricultural techniques and investing in more efficient sugarcane farming practices. The government has also introduced policies aimed at supporting local sugar production, such as subsidies and tariffs on imported sugar, to bolster the domestic industry and reduce reliance on imports in the long term.
5) Thailand
Thailand is a major global producer of sugar, with 8.8 million metric tons produced in the 2023/24 season. The nation is the world’s third-largest exporter of sugar, only surpassed by Brazil and India. In Thailand, sugarcane is mostly grown in the country’s north, northeast, and center, where ideal tropical weather permits large yields.
Thailand’s sugar business is essential to the country’s economy as well as its agriculture sector. More than two-thirds of the nation’s sugar production is exported, mostly to Asian markets, especially those in China, Japan, and Indonesia. Thai sugar is well-known for its high quality, and the country’s sugar sector benefits from effective farming methods, modern infrastructure, and government backing that maintains its competitiveness in the world market.
The sugar sector also supports Thailand’s growing bioenergy industry. Many mills have diversified into producing ethanol from sugarcane, contributing to the country’s renewable energy goals. However, despite being a major producer, Thailand faces challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns and competition from other sugar-producing countries, which can affect yields and export volumes. Nonetheless, the country remains a significant force in the global sugar market.
6) USA
In the 2023/24 season, the United States produced 8.28 million metric tons of sugar, ranking among the world’s top producers. Due to its reliance on both sugarcane and sugar beet, the American sugar business is unique. While sugar beet cultivation is centered in cooler states like Minnesota, North Dakota, and Michigan, sugarcane is predominantly grown in the warmer climates of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas. About half of the sugar produced in the United States comes from sugar beet, with sugarcane making up the remaining 45%.
With an annual consumption of approximately 10 million metric tons, the United States is one of the world’s greatest consumers of sugar despite being a major producer. This consumption surpasses domestic production, resulting in the need for imports, mainly from countries with preferential trade agreements, like Mexico.
The US sugar industry is highly regulated, with government policies such as price support, import quotas, and subsidies aimed at stabilizing the domestic market. These measures protect US sugar producers from fluctuating global prices but have drawn criticism for keeping US sugar prices higher than the global average. Nevertheless, the U.S. sugar industry remains vital for rural economies, providing employment and contributing to the country’s food and energy sectors through biofuel production.
7) Russia
With 6.6 million metric tons of sugar produced in 2023/24, Russia became one of the world’s top producers of sugar. Sugar beet, which does well in Russia’s colder temperature, is the main crop used in the country’s sugar production. Due to their rich soils and ideal growing environment, areas such as Krasnodar, Belgorod, and Voronezh are where sugar beet is cultivated most frequently.
Over the past 20 years, the Russian sugar sector has experienced substantial growth and modernization, with investments in processing facilities and agricultural technology increasing both yield and efficiency. Due to this, Russia has been able to transition from being a net importer of sugar to becoming self-sufficient and even exporting sugar in recent years.
However, despite this progress, the Russian sugar industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating weather conditions that can impact crop yields and high production costs. Also, geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions have affected its export potential. Domestically, sugar remains a staple in Russian households, used in various traditional foods and beverages. With continued investment and focus on efficiency, Russia is expected to maintain a significant presence in the global sugar market, further strengthening its agricultural sector.
8) Pakistan
Pakistan ranked among the world’s top producers of sugar with 6.6 million metric tons produced in the 2023/24 season. The main crop used to produce sugar in Pakistan is sugarcane, which is widely farmed in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab. Because of its ideal soil and climate, Punjab alone produces nearly two-thirds of the sugarcane grown in the nation.
In Pakistan, the agricultural sector relies heavily on sugar production, which provides direct or indirect employment to nearly 9 million people. Even though it is a major producer, Pakistan frequently faces challenges in satisfying its local demand because of production inefficiencies and variable yields. The nation usually consumes more annually than it produces, which necessitates imports on occasion to make up the difference.
Pakistan’s sugar industry faces several challenges, including water scarcity, outdated farming techniques, and low crop yields. These issues are compounded by inconsistent government policies, which have led to market instability and disputes between sugar mills and farmers over pricing. Nonetheless, with proper reforms and investment in modern agricultural practices, Pakistan has the potential to further boost its sugar production and reduce its reliance on imports. The sugar industry remains a vital part of the national economy, contributing to both employment and the food sector.
9) Mexico
Mexico is one of the major sugar producers in the Americas, having produced 4.93 million metric tons of sugar in the 2023/24 season. Mexico’s principal crop for producing sugar is sugarcane, which is primarily farmed in tropical regions like Veracruz, Jalisco, San Luis Potosí, and Oaxaca. The large sugarcane farms and pleasant environment of Veracruz alone account for over 40% of Mexico’s total sugar production.
Besides being crucial on a national level, Mexico’s sugar sector is also vital to global trade. A significant amount of the nation’s sugar is exported, and because of advantageous trade accords under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the United States is its main export market. This trade relationship ensures Mexico a stable market for its sugar exports, which helps sustain the industry.
The Mexican sugar industry also plays a role in the country’s energy sector. Byproducts from sugarcane, such as bagasse, are used in bioenergy production, contributing to the country’s renewable energy initiatives. However, challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns and periodic labor disputes can impact yields. Despite these hurdles, Mexico continues to be a major player in both the regional and global sugar markets.
10) Australia
With 4.1 million metric tons produced in the 2023/24 season, Australia is among the world’s leading producers of sugar, although on a smaller scale than leaders like Brazil and India. Around 95% of the sugar produced in Australia is produced in Queensland, which is the primary hub of the nation’s sugar industry. Particularly in areas like Bundaberg, Mackay, and the Burdekin, Queensland’s subtropical climate and rich volcanic soils make it the perfect place to grow sugarcane.
Modern agricultural techniques and efficiency are hallmarks of Australian sugarcane farms, which have been improved by technological developments in cultivation and processing. About 20,000 people are directly employed by the business, and thousands more are supported by it in other industries like milling and transportation.
Australia’s sugar is primarily exported, with significant markets including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The country’s sugar is recognized for its high quality, and its export-oriented nature makes it sensitive to fluctuations in global sugar prices. Despite facing challenges such as climate change impacts, fluctuating market conditions, and competition from other sugar-producing countries, Australia continues to maintain a robust and vital sugar industry that contributes significantly to its agricultural economy.
| No. | Country | Sugar Production (Million Metric Tons) |
| 1 | Brazil | 45.54 |
| 2 | India | 34 |
| 3 | EU | 14.99 |
| 4 | China | 9.9 |
| 5 | Thailand | 8.8 |
| 6 | USA | 8.28 |
| 7 | Russia | 6.6 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 6.6 |
| 9 | Mexico | 4.93 |
| 10 | Australia | 4.1 |
Conclusion
Sugar production is a cornerstone of the global agricultural landscape, with major contributors like Brazil, India, and the EU shaping the market. Sugar not only sweetens foods and beverages but also fuels the growing bioenergy sector. As countries navigate the complexities of production and export, factors such as climate change, technological advancements, and trade policies will significantly impact future yields. Understanding the dynamics of sugar production helps highlight its essential role in economies worldwide, showcasing its versatility and enduring significance in our daily lives. This blog listed the top 10 biggest sugar producers in the world
FAQs
Which Country Consumes the Most Sugar in the World?
The United States is the largest sugar consumer in the world, with a per capita sugar consumption of 126.4 grams daily. This high demand is driven by the country’s large population and its preference for processed foods and sugary beverages.
Who Is the Largest Sugar Producer in the World?
Brazil is the largest sugar producer globally, with 45.54 million metric tons of sugar produced in the 2023/24 season. Its favorable tropical climate and vast sugarcane plantations contribute to its dominant position.
Who Is the Largest Sugar Exporter in the World?
Brazil is the largest sugar exporter, supplying over 70% of its production to international markets. Its key export destinations include China, India, and various countries in the Middle East and Asia. Its sugar export in 2023/34 is 35.97 million metric tons.
