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
A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
January 26, 2026 01:10 PM
·
Heavier weights and strong late-year slaughter supported December production, but lower annual totals highlight ongoing supply tightness heading into 2026.
January 26, 2026 11:19 AM
·
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
January 26, 2026 09:56 AM
·
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
·
