Sugar Exports Cross 2 Lakh Tonnes in 2025-26 Marketing Year

India’s sugar exports have crossed 2.01 lakh tonnes till February in the current 2025-26 marketing year, according to the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA). The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the top destination for Indian sugar exports. The government has approved total sugar exports of 2 million tonnes this year, including an additional 5 lakh tonnes recently permitted. Sugar production is also expected to rise 13 per cent, strengthening India’s export outlook.

India’s Sugar Exports Reach 2.01 Lakh Tonnes – AISTA Data

India’s sugar exports have reached 2,01,547 tonnes till February in the 2025-26 marketing year (October-September), according to the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA).

Key highlights of India’s sugar exports,

• Total exports till February: 2,01,547 tonnes
• White sugar exports: 1,63,000 tonnes
• Refined sugar exports: 37,638 tonnes
• Marketing year: October 2025 – September 2026
• Sugar exports under government quota control

India’s sugar exports are regulated through quotas distributed proportionally among sugar mills. This ensures balanced domestic supply while promoting global trade participation.

UAE Tops the List in India’s Sugar Exports

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the largest importer in India’s sugar exports this marketing year.

Major destinations for India’s sugar exports,

1. UAE – 47,006 tonnes
2. Afghanistan – 46,163 tonnes
3. Djibouti – 30,147 tonnes
4. Bhutan – 20,017 tonnes

India’s sugar exports reflect strong demand from West Asia and neighboring countries. The diversified export basket supports foreign exchange earnings and strengthens India’s presence in global sugar markets.

Government Approves 2 Million Tonnes Sugar Exports

The central government has approved total 2 million tonnes of sugar exports for the 2025-26 marketing year.

Break-up of sugar exports approval,

• Initial quota: 1.5 million tonnes
• Additional approval: 5 lakh tonnes
• Additional quota cannot be swapped between mills
• Export allocation on a pro-rata basis

According to AISTA Chairman Praful Vithalani, this two-tier quota system will reduce premium trading and ensure genuine exporting mills benefit without paying extra charges.

Sugar Production to Rise 13% in 2026

India’s sugar production is estimated to increase by 13 per cent to 29.6 million tonnes in the 2025-26 marketing year, excluding diversion for ethanol production.

Higher sugar production means,

• Improved export capacity
• Stable domestic supply
• Better price realization for mills
• Strengthened global competitiveness

The projected rise in sugar production supports India’s sugar exports strategy while balancing domestic consumption needs.

About AISTA – Journey

• All India Sugar Trade Association – Full Form
• Founded on January 17, 2016, to unify India’s fragmented sugar industry.
• Established to create a single, inclusive platform representing the entire sugar value chain.
• Brings together traders, millers, refiners, bulk consumers, trade houses, service providers, farmers, and food processors.
• Serves as the collective voice of India’s sugar economy not any single segment.
• Focused on collaboration, industry progress, and shared growth.

Background: India’s Sugar Industry and Export Policy

• India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of sugar.
• Sugar exports are tightly regulated to protect domestic supply and price stability.
• The marketing year for sugar runs from October to September.
• In recent years, ethanol blending policies have influenced sugar production patterns.
• The government manages export quotas to balance farmer interests, mill liquidity, and global market demand.
• Rising sugar production combined with controlled sugar exports helps maintain stability in both domestic and international markets.

Question

Q. India’s sugar exports till February 2026 reached approximately?

A) 1 lakh tonnes
B) 1.5 lakh tonnes
C) 2.01 lakh tonnes
D) 3 lakh tonnes