Where and when sugar is produced
Brazil's Centre-South crushes cane from April to March, with the peak from May to September, led by São Paulo. Mills choose how much cane goes to sugar versus ethanol, so fuel prices in Brazil feed straight into sugar supply.
India's season runs from October to September, with cane depending on the June–September monsoon and exports on government quotas. Thailand crushes from November to April.
Reports and data that move the market
- UNICA reports on the Centre-South crush and sugar mix, every two weeks
- Indian Sugar and Bio-energy Manufacturers Association estimates and government export decisions
- USDA Sugar: World Markets and Trade, May and November
- International Sugar Organization quarterly balance
Weather windows to watch
Dryness in São Paulo during the rainy season from October to March, which sets cane yields for the next crush, frost and fire risk in the southern winter, the progress of India's monsoon from June to September, and rainfall in Thailand's growing season.
Following sugar in Kommody
Kommody weights weather by cane area in Brazil, India, Thailand and other producers, tracks speculator positioning in Sugar No. 11 from the CFTC report, scores sugar news for sentiment and lists UNICA and other releases in the release calendar.
Frequently asked questions
- Which country exports the most sugar?
- Brazil, by a wide margin, followed by India (when exports are allowed) and Thailand.
- Why does ethanol affect sugar prices?
- Brazilian mills can turn cane into sugar or ethanol. When ethanol pays better, less sugar is made, which tightens world supply.