Brazil’s sugar exports recovered in October 2026 compared with the previous month but remained significantly below year-earlier levels. Shipments to China fell sharply, while India overtook China to become Brazil’s largest sugar export destination in the first ten months of the year.
According to the latest data released on November 12 by Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA), the country exported 3.24 million metric tons of sugar in October 2026, down 22.07% year on year but up 20.63% from September.
The figures come amid a substantial decline in sugar production in Brazil’s Centre-South region during the 2026/27 season.
Brazil Sugar Exports Rebound in October but Remain Below 2025 Levels
Brazil exported 3.2436 million metric tons of sugar in October, compared with 4.1621 million tons in the same month of 2025 and 2.6889 million tons in September 2026.
Sugar export revenue reached approximately $1.185 billion in October, down 27.57% year on year.
The average FOB export price stood at $365.47 per metric ton, down 7.06% from $393.22 a year earlier but up 3.23% from $354.04 in September.
| Indicator | October 2026 | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Export volume | 3.2436 million MT | -22.07% |
| Export revenue | $1.185 billion | -27.57% |
| Average FOB price | $365.47/MT | -7.06% |
Note: FOB (Free on Board) refers to the value of sugar delivered on board a vessel at the designated Brazilian export port. It excludes international ocean freight, marine insurance and import duties.
Brazil Sugar Exports Fall 13.33% in January–October 2026
Brazil’s cumulative sugar exports reached 23.8873 million metric tons in the first ten months of 2026, compared with 27.5623 million tons during the corresponding period of 2025.
Export volumes declined by approximately 3.68 million tons, or 13.33%, while lower export prices contributed to an even steeper fall in export revenue.
| Indicator | Jan–Oct 2026 | Jan–Oct 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Export volume | 23.8873 million MT | 27.5623 million MT | -13.33% |
| Export revenue | $8.556 billion | $11.780 billion | -27.37% |
| Average FOB price | $358.19/MT | $427.41/MT | -16.20% |
The combination of lower shipment volumes and weaker export prices has significantly reduced Brazil’s sugar export earnings in 2026.
Brazil’s Sugar Exports to China Plunge 89% in October
One of the most notable developments in October was the sharp decline in Brazilian sugar shipments to China.
Brazil exported just 35,800 metric tons of sugar to China in October 2026, compared with 327,900 tons in September, representing a month-on-month decline of 89.09%.
Between January and October, Brazil shipped a total of 2.021 million tons of sugar to China, accounting for approximately 8.46% of its total sugar exports.
Meanwhile, India imported 2.0256 million tons of Brazilian sugar during the same period, narrowly surpassing China as Brazil’s largest export destination.
Top Importers of Brazilian Sugar in January–October 2026
India and China remained Brazil’s two largest sugar export markets, followed by Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Algeria.
| Rank | Destination | Import Volume (MT) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 2,025,600 |
| 2 | China | 2,021,000 |
| 3 | Saudi Arabia | 1,877,900 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 1,721,100 |
| 5 | Nigeria | 1,524,500 |
| 6 | Algeria | 1,504,900 |
India’s cumulative imports of Brazilian sugar exceeded China’s by just 4,600 metric tons.
India’s position as Brazil’s largest sugar export destination is particularly noteworthy given its role as one of the world’s leading sugar producers.
China’s Total Sugar Imports Continue to Decline
The sharp fall in Brazilian shipments to China comes against the backdrop of weaker Chinese sugar imports in 2026.
According to Chinese customs statistics, China imported approximately 260,000 metric tons of sugar in September 2026, down 53.2% year on year.
During the first nine months of 2026, China’s cumulative sugar imports reached approximately 2.51 million metric tons, down 20.4% from the same period in 2025, representing a reduction of approximately 640,000 tons.
China’s official sugar import figures for October are expected to be released in the coming week.
For more information, visit our regularly updated China Sugar Import Report.
It should be noted that Brazilian export statistics and Chinese import statistics may differ because of shipping times and customs reporting periods. Brazil’s October shipments to China should therefore not be interpreted as China’s total sugar imports for the same month.
Brazil Centre-South Sugar Production Down 13.8% Through October
The decline in Brazil’s sugar exports coincides with a significant reduction in sugar production in its main producing region.
As of October 31, cumulative sugarcane crushing in Brazil’s Centre-South region reached 541.99 million metric tons in the 2026/27 season, down 2.55% year on year.
Cumulative sugar production amounted to 32.8812 million metric tons, compared with 38.1445 million tons during the corresponding period of the previous season.
This represents a year-on-year decline of 13.80%, or approximately 5.26 million tons.
Production during the second half of October showed signs of stabilization:
| Indicator | Second Half of Oct 2026 | Second Half of Oct 2025 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane crushing | 32.3378 million MT | 31.2149 million MT | +3.60% |
| Sugar production | 2.0779 million MT | 2.0930 million MT | -0.72% |
Although sugarcane crushing increased year on year during the second half of October, sugar production remained slightly below last year’s level.
Market Outlook: What to Watch Next
Brazil’s latest export and production figures highlight three important developments in the global sugar market: reduced Brazilian sugar availability, weaker Chinese import activity and a shifting distribution of Brazilian sugar exports among major destinations.
However, the sharp monthly decline in shipments to China alone does not necessarily indicate a sustained reduction in Chinese import demand. Subsequent Brazilian export figures and Chinese customs data will help clarify whether October’s decline reflects temporary shipment fluctuations or a broader market trend.
With Brazil’s Centre-South sugar production running more than 5 million tons below last season’s level, developments in Brazilian export availability and Asian import demand will remain important factors to monitor in the international sugar market.
Data Sources: Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA); General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). Compiled and analyzed by YNSUGAR.COM.
Methodology: Export statistics cover January–October 2026 on a calendar-year basis. Brazilian sugar production statistics refer to the 2026/27 crop season in the Centre-South region. All volumes are expressed in metric tons and monetary values in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Figures may be rounded.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly reported industry and government statistics. While YNSUGAR.COM strives to ensure accuracy, data may be subject to subsequent revisions. The information does not constitute investment, trading or commercial advice.
