Sugar Exports Gradually Gaining Momentum

05-Jan-2026 08:22 PM

Mumbai: The central government had permitted the export of 1.5 million tonnes of sugar for the current marketing season (October-September) of 2025-26 in November.

Initially, the number of deals was low and the pace of shipments was slow, but now it is gradually picking up. However, concerns about sugar prices persist. The price of white sugar in the international market is quite low, and therefore Indian exporters are not receiving high margins.

According to the Director General of ISMA, the average Free On Board (FOB) export offer price for white sugar is currently running at $446-448 per tonne.

At this price level, it is not profitable for Indian exporters because the price of Indian sugar is higher than the global market price.

It is noteworthy that in recent months, the ex-factory selling price of sugar has fallen considerably, and the Indian rupee's exchange rate against the US dollar has also depreciated significantly.

Therefore, India is finding success in exporting sugar. The futures price of white sugar on the London exchange has fallen to a low of $426 per tonne.

The sugar production season in Brazil is almost over, so the pace of shipments from there will remain slow for the next two to three months.

Indian exporters have already contracted to export 150,000-200,000 tonnes of sugar, of which 50,000-60,000 tonnes have already been shipped.