The international trade of sugar, including imports and exports, contributes to the economic development of many countries. The ten major sugar importing countries and their percentage of the world sugar trade in 2009 were as follows: United States (16 percent), Germany (9 percent), France (8 percent), Canada (6 percent), Japan (5 percent), Belgium-Luxembourg (5 percent), China (4 percent), South Korea (3 percent), Switzerland (3 percent) and Italy (2 percent). India and Netherlands tied with 1% each. Indonesia accounted for less than 1% of world trade.
1) Japan – 59.6% Of Total Sugar Imports
Japan ranks first among the top sugar importing countries. In 2014, Japan’s sugar imports reached a total of 2.8 million tons, or 59.6% of its total imports, registering a CAGR of -2.5% between 2009 and 2014. The country’s main source of sugar is Thailand (23%), followed by Brazil (21%), Australia (19%), and India (12%). Sugar imports accounted for 0.8% of Japan’s total imports in 2014; it had an export-to-import ratio below 50%. In value terms, nearly 60% was spent on importing raw and refined sugars from Thailand, India, and Brazil in 2014.
2) United States – 24.2% Of Total Sugar Imports
In 2019, out of all of its sugar imports and export, 24.2% were from Brazil, while 16.1% came from Mexico and 11.9% came from India; additionally, 14.5% came from Thailand and 10.8% came from China. In 2012, out of all of its sugar imports, 26.7% was from Brazil; meanwhile, 15.7% came from Australia and 13.4%, 9%, 7.3%, 5%, 4%, 3%, and 2% were respectively provided by Indonesia, Thailand, India, Guatemala Sugar Imports.
3) Canada – 4.3% Of Total Sugar Imports
Canada was the fourth-largest importer of sugar worldwide in 2017. In that year, it imported 1.9 million metric tons of sugar from international sources for USD 408 million. Its primary source countries were Brazil (57%), Guatemala (17%), and Germany (13%). Sugarcane is Canada’s leading agricultural product, and its top three export markets are Japan, China, and Mexico. Canada has free trade agreements with its top three export markets; the total value of Canadian exports to these trading partners reached USD 180 billion in 2019-2020.
4) United Kingdom – 4.2% Of Total Sugar Imports
The United Kingdom is one of Europe’s largest countries, and also one of its most densely populated. The country’s total land area is slightly larger than California, and it sits on one-quarter of an island between England and Ireland. Sugar imports are used as both a food additive and an ingredient in sweet foods made by British companies. Sugar imports are up 8% since last year, making Great Britain a major importer of sugar in 2014. Germany – 5.6% Of Total Sugar Imports: One of Europe’s most powerful economies, Germany is home to several companies that produce sugar-related products for distribution around the world.
5) South Korea – 3.9% Of Total Sugar Imports
South Korea – 3.9% Of Total Sugar Imports: South Korea’s economy has grown tremendously over recent years, and as a result, its demand for refined sugar continues to increase. Sugarcane and sugar beets are grown in South Korea’s southern region and refined into white granulated sugar; most of it is used domestically. Much of South Korea’s cane-based refined sugar comes from Australia (2.3 million metric tons) and Thailand (1.6 million metric tons). Aside from Australia, Indonesia is also a major supplier of raw sugarcane to South Korea, sending 1.2 million metric tons between 2010-2014. Other top suppliers include Brazil and Cuba, which supplied 20 thousand metric tons each during that period. If you are from South Korea and you are looking to buy sugar online then Tradologie.com is one of the best platforms for online sugar trading.
6) Taiwan – 3.8% Of Total Sugar Imports
Taiwan imported 12.9 million tonnes of sugar, accounting for 3.8% of total world imports. The average price per tonne was USD 4,054 per tonne, which was lower than in 2006 (USD 4,578). Sugar Imports Into Taiwan: Sugar imports into Taiwan began to grow from 2004 when they stood at 6 million tonnes. Imports increased by an average annual rate of 3% from 2005 to 2007 and rose again by an average annual rate of 9% from 2008 to 2010 before falling by an average annual rate of 2% in 2011 and 2012.
7) Germany – 2.9% Of Total Sugar Imports
Germany is #1 in both sugar imports and exports. While Germany does import sugar from countries like Mexico, it’s also a top exporter of sugar to destinations like Ukraine. Its main source of sugar comes from Thailand, but in 2014 Mexico accounted for 1.3% of Germany’s total sugar imports. What makes these statistics notable is that in 2008, almost half (46%) of Germany’s total sugar came from Mexico. Sugar online has been an important part of trade between Germany and many countries for decades; we’re seeing that importance rise as trade continues to grow and demand rises at home while supplies fall abroad.
8) Mexico – 2.5% Of Total Sugar Imports
The Netherlands exported 7 million metric tons of sugar worth a total of $2.7 billion in 2012. The country imported 1% (1.9 million metric tons) of all sugar shipments globally in 2012, making it among the world’s leading sugar importers. Nearly all Dutch sugar imports come from other major sugar exporters, namely Brazil and Thailand. Sugar exports generate nearly 4% ($714 million) of total Dutch export revenue and 2% ($414 million) of their overall import value.
9) The Netherlands – 1.9% Of Total Sugar Imports
The Netherlands imported around 1.9% of all sugar that was traded globally in 2017. The country mainly imported sugar from Brazil, Uruguay, and Mauritius with a combined 88% share, which means that altogether these three countries accounted for 95% of Dutch sugar imports. It should be noted though that raw cane sugar accounts for a mere 0.1% of all Dutch imports while refined beet sugars make up around 2%. In value terms, Dutch imports rose by an average of 7.6% annually from 2007 to 2017 overall. This trend is likely to continue in 2018 as well. (2018)
10) France – 1.4% Of Total Sugar Imports
France is by far one of the most developed countries in terms of sugar importation. France imported a total of 14,200 tonnes in 2011, making it rank number 15 on our list. It should be noted that a lot of France’s sugar importation goes to some of its surrounding countries for domestic consumption because it is so close to Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. As part of an economic agreement with those nations, much of their sugar imports are used in domestic products rather than sold into other markets. Nevertheless, when you look at total worldwide production and trade figures for sugar, France is still only responsible for about 1% – 1.4% of total consumption figures.
Conclusion
Overall, these were ten of the biggest importers in the world, and they accounted for 90 million tons of sugar in 2019. It’s interesting to see how China consumed a total of 47 million tons of sugar—nearly half as much again as the next country on this list. It’s clear that their appetite for sugar products is ever increasing. This will likely have an impact on the global sugar market in years to come, as it pulls more supply from countries like Brazil and Thailand which are benefitting from an international sweet tooth at the moment.
