Thailand Sugar Market 2026 — Production, Pricing & Export Trends
Thailand’s sugar sector is becoming increasingly important in global trade, especially for Asia-Pacific buyers.
Based on the latest 2025/26 outlook:
• Production is forecast at ~10.3 million metric tons, continuing recovery from prior drought cycles
• Sugarcane crush is expected around 90 million tons
• Extraction efficiency is improving, now exceeding 110 kg per ton
One of the biggest structural shifts is the move toward fresh cane harvesting. This is improving sugar quality, reducing emissions, and aligning with sustainability requirements from international buyers.
From a trade perspective, Thailand offers a few key advantages:
– Faster shipping times to Asia (typically 7–14 days vs 30+ from Brazil)
– Full range of sugar grades (raw VHP → ICUMSA 45 refined)
– Flexible contract structures for buyers
Current FOB pricing ranges (indicative):
– ICUMSA 45: ~$480–$540/MT
– ICUMSA 100: ~$440–$490/MT
– Raw sugar: ~$380–$430/MT
Main risks to watch:
– Climate volatility (El Niño / La Niña cycles)
– Crop disease impacting yields in some regions
– Global pricing pressure during Brazil’s peak export season
Curious how others here are approaching sourcing in 2026 — are you diversifying supply origins or staying concentrated?