This statistic shows total sugar exports worldwide from 2012/2013 to 2017/18 and provides a forecast for 2018/2019. During the 2016/2017 period, global sugar exports amounted to approximately 58.72 million metric tons, up from 54 million metric tons the previous year.
Sugar exports - additional information
Sugar is a sweet, crystal-like substance normally used as a sweetener for beverages and food products. Sugars are classified into monosaccharides and disaccharides. Fructose, galactose and glucose are examples of simple sugars. Compound sugars include lactose, maltose and sucrose. There are many types of sugars such as agave nectar, coconut sugar, maple sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. However, sucrose, which is found in the stems of sugarcane and in the roots of sugar beets, is the most common variety. While sugar is a source of carbohydrates and energy, it is packed with empty calories. Consuming large amounts of sugar can give a person a sated feeling without supplying any necessary nutrients. Furthermore, research has shown that drinking sugary drinks is linked to type II diabetes. In 2016, the United States that the highest per capita consumption of sugar.
Between 2014 and 2015, the global production of sugar amounted to approximately 197 million metric tons. Asia accounted for roughly one-third of the production volume, while South America and Europe contributed 22 percent and 15 percent respectively.
Over the past five years, more than 60 million metric tons of sugar had been exported worldwide annually. Brazil was the world’s leading sugar-exporting country during the 2014/2015 period, followed by Thailand, Australia and India.
