This brief article is the continuation of the overview we did of nations leading in sugar production. If you want more insights about the economic impact of raw sugar, read 20 Countries That Produce The Most Sugar.
8. Pakistan
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 5.6 million metric tons
Pakistan ranks in the top 10 countries with the highest sugar output because of its arable land. The sugarcane sector contributes around 0.6% to the GDP and employs around 1.5-1.8 million farmers. Despite facing extreme electricity shortages, outdated farming practices, and inefficient sugar mill operations, Pakistan’s sugar industry remains resilient due to its extensive irrigation systems and fertile lands.
7. Russian Federation
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 5.79 million metric tons
The Russian Federation, while not a traditional sugar producer due to its cold climate, has gained a strong footing in sugar beet production. Before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia decreased its sugar imports by encouraging domestic production. However, the country is currently struggling with a sugar shortage because of its severed business ties with many nations.
6. Mexico
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 6.18 million metric tons
Mexico is the world’s sixth-largest sugar producer and one of the largest sugar exporters. Its sugar industry supports around 2 million jobs directly and indirectly. The sector faced challenges because of sugar market volatility and low global sugar prices in recent years. However, Mexico’s sugar industry is expected to remain strong due to its high domestic consumption and the preferential access to the US market granted by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
5. United States
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 7.68 million metric tons
Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Hawaii are the main sugar-producing states in the US. The country’s sugar industry relies on sugarcane and sugar beet crops, as almost 55% of sugar is derived from sugar beet and 45% from sugarcane. The US Department of Agriculture regulates the country’s sugar production through its farm bill policies, including tariff-rate quotas and a price support program.
4. Thailand
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 8.29 million metric tons
Thailand is the world’s third-largest sugar exporter, evidenced by the country’s $1.57 billion revenue from sugar exports in 2021. Sugar milling in Thailand faces a monopoly by large-scale millers since the government supports them with incentives and policies. The Thai sugar industry also emphasizes transforming bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, into renewable energy.
3. China
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 10.4 million metric tons
The Guangxi region is the epicenter of China’s sugar industry, accounting for about 60% of the country’s total output. But despite being a significant sugar producer, China is also one of the largest sugar importers globally due to high domestic demand.
2. India
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 28.9 million tons
India is the second-largest sugar producer and had an output of 28.9 million metric tons in the 2021-22 crop year. Sugar production in India primarily uses sugarcane as the raw material, grown in two belts: the tropical region in South India (it produces sugar throughout the year) and the subtropical belt in North India (this belt has a seasonal production cycle from November to March).
1. Brazil
Annual Raw Sugar Production: 38.4 million metric tons
Brazil produces and exports the most sugar. The country’s sugar yield was 38.4 million metric tons in the 2021-22 crop year. Brazil’s sugarcane cultivation spreads over 10 million hectares, so naturally, it receives abundant sugar yield. The Brazilian sugar industry is also part of the bioenergy sector, as surplus sugarcane is used for ethanol production.
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