NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. sugar producers face tighter domestic production prospects in 2026/27, while imports are expected to carry more of the supply load. LSU AgCenter economist Michael Deliberto says USDA’s first outlook projects domestic beet and cane sugar production at 8.810 million short tons, raw value.
That would be a nearly 5 percent decline and the lowest domestic production level in more than five years. Beet sugar production is forecast at 4.722 million short tons, with lower acreage and delayed spring planting weighing on output.
Cane sugar production is projected at 4.088 million short tons. Louisiana is forecast at 2.146 million, down from last year, while Florida is expected at 1.942 million after freeze damage slowed early growth.
Imports are projected at 3.260 million short tons, up 23 percent. USDA also holds food-use demand steady, though longer-term consumption trends are softening.
Deliberto says lower domestic production may support U.S. prices, even as global supplies pressure world futures.
