Global sugar exports 2012/13- 2024/25

This statistic shows total sugar exports worldwide from 2012/2013 to 2023/2024. During the 2023/2024 period, global sugar exports amounted to approximately 68.24 million metric tons, up from about 66.09 million metric tons the previous year. 

Sugar facts

Sugar is a sweet, crystal-like substance normally used as a sweetener for beverages and food products. Sugars are classified into monosaccharides and disaccharides. Fructose, galactose and glucose are examples of simple sugars. Compound sugars include lactose, maltose and sucrose. There are many types of sugars such as agave nectar, coconut sugar, maple sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. However, sucrose, which is found in the stems of sugarcane and in the roots of sugar beets, is the most common variety. While sugar is a source of carbohydrates and energy, it is packed with empty calories. Consuming large amounts of sugar can give a person a sated feeling without supplying any necessary nutrients. Furthermore, research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type II diabetes.

Global sugar production and trade

In the 2022/23 crop year, the global production of sugar amounted to approximately 177 million metric tons. Asia accounted for roughly one-third of the production volume, while South America and Europe contributed about 21 percent and eight percent respectively. Over the past five years, more than 60 million metric tons of sugar had been exported worldwide annually. Brazil was the world’s leading sugar-exporting country during the 2022/23 period, followed by Thailand, India, and Australia.