Sugar, a ubiquitous ingredient in culinary creations worldwide, serves as more than just a sweetener—it’s a cornerstone of global agriculture and trade. As we embark on a journey through the top 10 sugar-producing countries, we uncover the intricate web of sugarcane cultivation, technological advancements, and trade dynamics that define the modern sugar industry.
The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization reports that sugar production spans 111 countries, with an additional 20 cultivating sugarcane or sugar beets for export. However, the International Sugar Organization highlights that 70% of global sugar output originates from only ten sources, including the European Union, which comprises multiple countries.
India, reigning as the world’s foremost sugar producer, holds a pivotal role in the global sugar landscape. Boasting an impressive output of 34,300,000 tonnes, India solidifies its dominance in sugar production. Benefitting from favorable climatic conditions, vast agricultural expanses, and advanced farming practices, India’s robust sugar industry not only fulfills domestic demand but also drives its economy. As the largest sugar-producing nation, India’s substantial contribution to the global supply underscores its prominence and influence in the international sugar market, reaffirming its status as a key player in the industry by 2024.
India with the sugar production of 34,300,000 tonnes claims the title of the largest sugar producer in the world, followed by Brazil, Thailand, and China.
Here is the list of top-10 largest sugar producer in the world:
| LARGEST SUGAR PRODUCER IN THE WORLD 2024 | ||
| Rank | Country | Sugar Production (in tonnes) |
| 1. | India | 34,300,000 |
| 2. | Brazil | 27,732,026 |
| 3. | Thailand | 14,866,800 |
| 4. | China | 11,760,000 |
| 5. | United States | 7,374,045 |
| 6. | Russia | 7,309,657 |
| 7. | Mexico | 6,710,121 |
| 8. | France | 4,897,000 |
| 9. | Pakistan | 4,881,225 |
| 10. | Australia | 4,516,700 |
Sugar Production: 34,300,000 tonnes
India has reclaimed the title of the world’s largest sugar producer from Brazil for the second time in five years. In the 2021/22 season, India churned out a staggering 36 million tonnes of sugar, surpassing its previous output by nearly six million tonnes. India primarily exports raw and refined sugar, predominantly low-quality white sugar, driven by its immense consumption and production levels. With approximately 50 million farmers and countless workers engaged in sugarcane farming, India has maintained surplus production for nearly a decade. The key production regions of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka host around 500 operational mills, contributing to 82% of the total production in the 2019/20 season. India’s shift towards a 20% ethanol-gasoline blend signifies a strategic move to prioritize ethanol production over sugar, posing a significant challenge for the global sugar market in the foreseeable future.
Sugar Production: 27,732,026
Brazil relinquished its position as the world’s largest sugar producer, recording a decrease in output to 34.9 million tonnes from 41.5 million tonnes previously. Despite this, Brazil remains the leading global sugarcane producer. While sugarcane production in the Centre-South region saw a modest recovery in the 2022/23 season, Brazil’s sugar market remains dynamic, driven by its versatility in ethanol and sugar production.
Sugar Production: 14,866,800
Thailand’s sugar production surged to 10.3 million tonnes, rebounding from the drought-stricken 2019/20 season. Despite not claiming the top spot, Thailand emerged as the third-largest sugar exporter. While favorable rainfall bolstered the recent output, concerns loom for the 2022/23 season due to excessive rainfall from Typhoon Noru. Thailand’s focus on sugarcane-derived ethanol and strategic initiatives reinforce its status as the world’s third-largest sugar producer.
India with the sugar production of 34,300,000 tonnes claims the title of the largest sugar producer in the world.
Brazil is not only the largest sugar producer in the world but is also the biggest sugar exporter. With a sugar production expected to surpass 41m tonnes this season, consumption is only around 10m tonnes.
Brazil is the largest producer of sugarcane in the world. India is the second largest producer of sugarcane. These two countries will respectively account for about 21% and 18% of the world's total sugar output by 2030.
Brazil relinquished its position as the world's largest sugar producer, recording a decrease in output to 34.9 million tonnes from 41.5 million tonnes previously.
The top-5 largest sugar producers in the world are: India, Brazil, Thailand, China, and United States.
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