Largest Producer of Sugar: Brazil is the world leader in sugar, with 43 million tonnes produced annually, or 23% of sugar production throughout the world. Brazil has a sophisticated and mechanised sugarcane industry, which has further integrated into crude/ethanol production. The country enjoys a tropical climate, flat land and optimal supply chains that can transport sugar from its sugarcane estates to shipping ports.
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Which Country is the Largest Producer of Sugar in the World?
Brazil produces the most sugar at 43 million tonnes every year. India, the European Union, China and Thailand are major suppliers of the demand for sugar in the world cane sugar and beet sugar.
How Much Sugar Do Other Countries Produce?
India is located in second place with 35.5 million metric tonnes, or 19% of sugar production for the world. The third is the European Union with 15.58 million tonnes (8%). The fourth is China with 11 million tonnes (6%) and Thailand with 10.24 million tonnes (5%).
Top 5 Sugar-Producing Countries in the World
| Rank | Country | Total Production (in Million Tonnes) | Global Share (%) |
| 1 | Brazil | 43 | 23% |
| 2 | India | 35.5 | 19% |
| 3 | European Union | 15.58 | 8% |
| 4 | China | 11 | 6% |
| 5 | Thailand | 10.24 | 5% |
Top Sugar-Producing Countries Explained
1. Brazil
Brazil produces sugarcane from millions of hectares of land, mainly in São Paulo and surrounding states. Sugar production consists of raw and refined sugar as well as ethanol. Brazil has benefited from large-scale operations and an export-orientated infrastructure.
2. India
India is the world’s second-largest sugar producer and has one of the largest domestic sugar demands. The majority of sugar production occurs in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Sugar production is driven by monsoon rain and government policies on sugar pricing that support farmers.
3. European Union
The European Union is a sugar beet-based market versus sugarcane. The major producers are France, Germany and Poland. The European Union is a reliable producer of sugar in temperate regions due to advancements in modern agriculture through mechanisation and climate-resilient crops.
4. China
The focus of China’s sugar production is in the provinces of Guangxi and Yunnan. Yield improvements over the last decade have come from introducing new hybrid sugarcane varieties and precision farming. China does import sugar, but domestic sugar production remains one of the largest in the world.
5. Thailand
Thailand is an important supplier of sugar and the number two sugar exporter in the world. Most of the sugarcane is grown in the northeastern region. Like Brazil, government support, trade policy, and consistent investment in processing mills have helped Thailand rise in both sugar production and exports.
Sugar Production Fun Facts
1. Brazil's Sugar Industry Is Energy Efficient
Brazil's sugarcane byproduct called bagasse is burnt as a way to generate power, thus making sugar mills energy independent in their operations.
2. India's Production is Weather Dependent
India's production of sugar can be affected by a weak monsoon, which will influence the amount of sugar in supply and the pricing and trade of sugar globally.
3. China is Investing in Smart Farming
China is investing in drones and AI in sugarcane farming to overcome insufficient land to supply sugarcane.
4. Thailand is Using Sugar Beyond Food
A considerable volume of Thailand's sugar contributes to biofuels and processed products particularly for Asian markets.
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