Taste the sweetness of agricultural trade as we provide you information about 10 countries that export the most sugar in the world. Sugar is not only one of the most important ingredients of our food intake but plays a vital role in the economy due to its diverse usability. Internationally, sugar exports totaled $26.5 billion (54.15 million metric ton) during 2014 where Latin America and Caribbean countries accounted about half of the exports. Sugar plays an important role in their overall economic development.
However, for last few years, the world’s most popular sweetener’s exports are showing a negative trend. In 2014, sugar exports declined by 16.3% compared with 2013 driven by sharp decline in prices. Sugar export has become economically unviable due to continued pressure on sugar pricing caused by the demand-supply mismatch.
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Rice is one of the most important ingredients in the diet for more than half of the population in the world. Rice also plays an important role in economies which are primarily dominated by the agricultural sector. If you are interested to know insights about another important agricultural produce then you can check out 10 Countries That Export The Most Rice in the World.
To arrive at the list of 10 countries that export the most sugar in the world, we have taken data in terms of exports by dollar value. UN Comtrade provides detailed country wise export data for sugar. Check out the list!
10.South Africa – $424.2 million
South Africa’s cost competitiveness helped it to maintain its status as major sugar exporting country in the world. Cheap labor coupled with a strategic location on global sea route map also helps South Africa to export commodities like sugar at competitive rates.
9.Cuba: $427.9 million
Cuba was the largest exporter of sugar in the pre-cold war era. Although it lost its dominance, Cuba still maintains top 10 ranking as major sugar exporting country in the world and exports sugar mostly to China.
8.Belgium: $429.2 million
Despite being a part of a highly industrialized region like Western Europe, Belgium is an important exporting hub for the sugar industry.
7.Germany: $754.8 million
Germany is known for its dominance in the automobile and engineering sector. Even so, its status as a major sugar exporting country is a testimony of Germany’s focus on the agriculture sector.
6.Mexico: $907.3 million
The Latin American region is one of major sugarcane producing region in the world. Mexico is not only one of top sugar producers, but it plays a vital role in global markets by exporting a large amount of sugar. Factors such as cheap labor force, availability of irrigation, favorable climate and supporting business environment helping sugar industry.
5.Guatemala: $952.2 million
One of the South American countries which is benefiting from low wages and high productivity leading to large sugar exports in the global markets. Like other Latin American countries, Guatemala is also a beneficiary of tropical climate which is suitable to grow quality sugar cane. So, it comes as no surprise that it takes the 5th place among countries that export the most sugar in the world.
4.India: $1.1 billion
India is one of the largest producers of sugarcane as it is considered a cash crop for farmers. Suitable climate, availability of irrigation and cheap labor are key factors behind sugar industry growth in India. Co-operative sugar mill structure helped the country become one of largest sugar producing and exporting country in the world. India exported 1.5 million metric ton sugar compared with 2.8 million metric ton last year.
3.France: $1.3 billion
France is one of the largest exporter of sugar in the world due to the large production of beet sugar which grows mainly in northern part of Europe. Beet sugar contributes about 20% of global sugar production.
2.Thailand: $2.7 billion
Agricultural export is one of the largest sectors for the Thai economy. Thailand is benefiting from increasing sugar demand from Asian countries such as Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. Strong support from the Thai government is boosting exports and helping local farmers to grow increasing amount of cash crops like sugarcane. About 8 million metric ton of sugar was exported from Thailand, 10% more compared to the previous year.
1.Brazil: US$9.5 billion
Brazil is largest sugar exporter country contributing about 37.5% of the total global market. Brazil exported 24.5 million metric ton sugar during 2014-2015. Sugar plays a vital role in Brazil’s economy as well as in country’s political life. Since 1530 when Portuguese started planted sugarcane in Brazil, sugar has gained huge importance in the country. About two-thirds of Brazils’ domestic sugar production is exported to more than 100 countries across the world. This makes Brazil the most influential player in the sugar trade. However, for last few years Brazilian sugar industry is facing difficult situation driven by internationally falling prices of sugar coupled with the challenging domestic environment.
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There you have it, the 10 Countries That Export The Most Sugar in the World. If you want to get information about which countries makes the most impact on global trade of sugar then definitely you should look at them.
