Sugar trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in sugar was worth $42.72 billion in 2024, about 72.02 million tonnes. That is an increase of 36% since 2017, and down 2% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $42.72B | 72.02M t |
| 2023 | $43.42B | 68.88M t |
| 2022 | $37.51B | 71.04M t |
| 2021 | $30.52B | 67.88M t |
| 2020 | $26.83B | 71.83M t |
| 2019 | $23.68B | 65.14M t |
| 2018 | $25.65B | 65.18M t |
| 2017 | $31.49B | 65.71M t |
Top sugar exporting countries
Exports are led by Brazil (48%), Thailand (6%) and India (5%). 169 countries reported exports, and the top three account for 59%.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | $20.52B | 48% |
| Thailand | $2.59B | 6.1% |
| India | $2.13B | 5% |
| France | $1.70B | 4% |
| Australia | $1.65B | 3.9% |
| Germany | $1.27B | 3% |
| Guatemala | $762.1M | 1.8% |
| Morocco | $747.7M | 1.8% |
| Saudi Arabia | $589.4M | 1.4% |
| Poland | $576.1M | 1.4% |
| Russia | $548.2M | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $513.4M | 1.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Indonesia (7%), the United States (6%) and Saudi Arabia (5%). 223 countries imported it, and the top three take 17% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | $2.81B | 6.6% |
| United States | $2.37B | 5.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $2.10B | 4.9% |
| China | $1.77B | 4.1% |
| India | $1.66B | 3.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.29B | 3% |
| Italy | $1.15B | 2.7% |
| Malaysia | $1.14B | 2.7% |
| Algeria | $1.06B | 2.5% |
| Egypt | $1.05B | 2.5% |
| Morocco | $960.0M | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $957.6M | 2.2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.59 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $0.80 per kg and Brazil $0.51 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Product types under HS 1701
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 1701: Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form. HS 1701 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most sugar?
Brazil exported $20.52 billion in 2024, 48% of the world total, followed by Thailand (6%) and India (5%). In all, 169 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most sugar?
Indonesia imported $2.81 billion in 2024, 7% of world imports, ahead of the United States (6%) and Saudi Arabia (5%). The top three importers together take 17%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in sugar?
It was worth $42.72 billion in 2024, about 72.02 million tonnes. That is an increase of 36% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $43.42 billion. 169 countries reported exports and 223 reported imports.
What is the average price of sugar per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.59 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, Germany averaged $0.80 per kg and Brazil $0.51 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for sugar?
The HS code for sugar is heading 1701, in chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 1701 page.
How can I find sugar buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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