NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — Sugar output in major producing nations is climbing, putting pressure on global sugar prices and export premiums. In Brazil’s Center-South region, crushing for sugar rose to 48 percent of cane processed in early October — up from 47 percent a year earlier — and cumulative sugar output for the 2025-26 season in that region is already up one percent year-over-year.
India and Thailand are also contributing to the supply picture. India’s sugar production for this season is expected to rise roughly 18 percent to about 34.9 million tons, helped by a strong monsoon and expanded planted area. In comparison, Thailand projects a five-percent increase to around 10.5 million tons. These gains, combined with Brazil’s growth, are shaping expectations of a global surplus. Analysts now estimate a sugar surplus at between 4 million and 10.5 million tons, driving raw sugar futures toward multi-year lows.
For U.S. sugar producers and processors, the weaker global price environment means tighter margins ahead. Export opportunities may be more challenging to exploit unless carriers and freight logistics improve, while domestic processors face headwinds in converting cane or beet crops into premium refined products.
Farm-Level Takeaway: With global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level, U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Analysts say a Supreme Court decision on tariffs could reshape protein markets, strain U.S.-China trade, and force farmers to rethink global demand strategies.
January 21, 2026 12:03 PM
·
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
January 21, 2026 11:50 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
January 20, 2026 01:14 PM
·
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
·
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.
January 19, 2026 01:00 PM
·
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
·
