Indian Millers Secure Export Contracts for 600,000 Tonnes of Sugar So Far

07-Apr-2026 10:45 AM

New Delhi. Driven by the significant depreciation of the Rupee against the US Dollar and a surge in international market prices, Indian millers are achieving considerable success in securing sugar export contracts.

According to industry and trade sources, export deals totaling 600,000 tonnes of sugar have been concluded by Indian millers so far during the current marketing season, with shipments for approximately 400,000 tonnes of this quantity already completed.

The pace of export contracting and shipments remained robust in March, leading to an improvement in the commercial viability—or 'realization margins'—for millers. Consequently, Indian sugar has become an attractive option for importers.

According to a leading analyst, if this momentum persists, India's total sugar exports could reach approximately 1.2 million tonnes by the end of the current marketing season (September 2026).

Sugar refiners in West Asia are currently facing difficulties with imports due to the conflict between Iran and the US; furthermore, the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz is disrupting the global supply of refined sugar. Following the cessation of hostilities, market activity and price bullishness are expected to intensify.

According to official sources, the government has so far granted actual export permissions for 1.58 million tonnes of sugar for the current 2025-26 marketing season (October–September), of which 373,000 tonnes have already been shipped.

The Arabian Peninsula is regarded as a gateway for the global sugar trade, with over 10 percent of the world's raw sugar imports transiting through the Strait of Hormuz waterway located in the region. Additionally, 5 percent of the world's refined sugar exports are shipped via this same route.