Sugar (Raw)

Raw sugar is unrefined cane sugar traded on the ICE No.11 contract, the global benchmark. Brazil's Center-South region produces over 40% of global exports. Raw sugar is refined at destination into white sugar. Ethanol parity in Brazil creates a floor price as mills divert cane between sugar and ethanol.

VHP (Very High Pol)VVHPDemeraraTurbinadoFOBCFRCIF
Quick Facts

Sugar (Raw) at a Glance

Common Origins
BrazilIndiaThailandAustraliaGuatemala
Common Destinations
ChinaIndonesiaBangladeshAlgeriaUnited States
Grades & Specifications
VHP (Very High Pol)VVHPDemeraraTurbinado
INCOTERMS
FOBCFRCIF
Unit of Measure
Metric Tons
Price Drivers

What Moves Sugar (Raw) Pricing

Raw sugar (ICE Sugar #11) prices off the New York #11 contract for FOB raws. White sugar prices off the London #5 contract. The white premium (refining margin) signals refinery profitability. Brazilian Center-South harvest (April-November) and Indian harvest (October-April) set seasonality. Brazilian ethanol parity (sugar-vs-ethanol mill economics) is the dominant supply swing factor — when ethanol pays more, mills produce less sugar, and #11 rallies.

Contract Structure

How Sugar (Raw) Cargoes Are Priced and Settled

Standard cargoes are 12,500 tonnes (the #11 contract size) or 25,000-50,000 tonnes for spot bulk trade. Pricing references #11 against contracted FOB Brazil or other origin. Refiners Sugar Industry contract (RSA) terms are standard for refined trade.

Quality & Disputes

Sugar (Raw) Specifications and Dispute Practice

Raw sugar: polarization 96-99 degrees, color, ash, moisture. Refined: ICUMSA color (45 ICUMSA = pristine white), polarization 99.7%+. Disputes turn on polarization, color, and bagged versus bulk handling damage.

Trade Flows

Where Sugar (Raw) Comes From and Where It Goes

Top exporters: Brazil (~30 Mt/year, dominant), Thailand, India (subject to export quota), Australia, Guatemala. Top importers: China, Indonesia, Algeria, Bangladesh, US, EU (white sugar imports for re-export). India's export policy oscillation (ban-quota-free) creates major price volatility in #5.

More in Agriculture

Wheat (Milling)

Milling wheat is a high-protein wheat variety used for bread, pasta, and baked goods. Protein content (typically 11-14%) determines suitability for different flour applications. Black Sea wheat has become the world's most competitive export origin, while US Hard Red Winter and Canadian Western Red Spring are premium grades.

Wheat (Feed)

Feed wheat is a lower-protein wheat grade used in animal nutrition, particularly for poultry and livestock rations. It is typically sourced from the Black Sea region and Europe at a discount to milling wheat. Feed wheat competes with corn as an energy source in feed formulations.

Corn/Maize

Corn (maize) is the world's most produced cereal grain, used for animal feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients. US Yellow Corn No.2 is the global benchmark. Brazil has emerged as a major second-crop (safrinha) exporter, competing with US and Argentine supplies.

Soybeans

Soybeans are the world's most important oilseed, crushed to produce soybean meal (animal feed) and soybean oil (cooking, biodiesel). Brazil has overtaken the US as the largest exporter. GMO vs. non-GMO origin commands significant price differentials in European and Asian markets.

Soybean Meal

Soybean meal is the dominant protein source in global animal feed formulations, containing 44-48% crude protein. It is produced as a co-product of soybean crushing alongside soybean oil. Argentina is the world's largest exporter, benefiting from its differential export tax structure.

Soybean Oil

Soybean oil is the second most consumed vegetable oil globally, used in cooking, food processing, and increasingly as biodiesel feedstock. Crude degummed soybean oil is the primary traded form, with refining done at destination. US biofuel mandates have significantly boosted domestic demand.

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