Brazil’s sugar exports to fall by 14%

Brazil, the world’s largest sugar producer and exporter, is likely to cut shipments by 14.2% in the 2026/27 season beginning in April, as mills divert sugarcane to ethanol production following high energy prices, consultancy Safras & Mercado said on Thursday.

According to the consultancy, total shipments, including both the Center-South and North/Northeast regions, are estimated at 29 million metric tonnes, down from 33.8 million tonnes in 2025–26.

The shift in focus toward ethanol is also expected to impact overall sugar output. The consultancy forecasts that Brazil’s sugar production will fall to 40.3 million tonnes in 2026–27, compared to 43.5 million tonnes in the previous season.

At the same time, ethanol production is set to rise significantly. Total output, including fuel made from corn, is projected to increase by 10.7% to 42.58 billion litres.

The move reflects how higher energy prices are influencing production decisions, with mills prioritising ethanol over sugar in the coming season.

Tags: Brazil, sugar, export