India has made notable strides in sugar exports during the ongoing 2024-25 marketing year, shipping 4.24 lakh tonnes of sugar by April 2025. The largest share of exports has gone to Somalia, followed by other countries like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. With a total export limit of 10 lakh tonnes for the year, the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) is optimistic about meeting the target. The association has also called for an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar and a rise in ethanol procurement prices to match the increased cost of sugarcane.
India’s Sugar Export Performance: A Strong Start to the 2024-25 Marketing Year
India has made significant progress in its sugar exports for the 2024-25 marketing year, with a total of 4.24 lakh tonnes shipped out as of April 30, 2025. This marks a promising beginning for the year, with the country well on track to meet its annual export target of 10 lakh tonnes, as set by the central government. The export season began on January 20, 2025, and India’s sugar industry is capitalizing on the global demand for sugar, particularly in countries across Africa and South Asia.
Major Export Destinations and Shipments Breakdown
Among the top destinations for Indian sugar exports, Somalia has emerged as the largest recipient, with 92,758 tonnes of sugar shipped. Other notable recipients include Afghanistan (66,927 tonnes), Sri Lanka (60,357 tonnes), and Djibouti (47,100 tonnes), highlighting India’s growing presence in the global sugar trade.
The breakdown of the sugar types exported shows that white sugar led the shipments with 3.27 lakh tonnes, followed by refined sugar at 77,603 tonnes and raw sugar at 18,514 tonnes. Additionally, about 25,000 tonnes of sugar are currently under loading, indicating ongoing strong export momentum.
Forecast and Expectations for the 2024-25 Marketing Year
Given the current pace of exports, the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA) expects to ship approximately 8 lakh tonnes of sugar by the end of the marketing year, which would be in line with the central government’s permitted export limit of 10 lakh tonnes. The association’s forecast underscores a positive outlook for India’s sugar export industry, fueled by strong demand in international markets.
Calls for Policy Adjustments: AISTA Advocates for Price Hikes
Despite the positive export trends, the AISTA has called for adjustments to the minimum selling price of sugar to reflect the rising costs of production. Specifically, the association has requested the government to increase the price in alignment with the higher fair and remunerative price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2025-26 season.
Additionally, the AISTA has advocated for a 10% increase in the procurement price of ethanol, which plays a crucial role in the biofuel industry and provides an alternative source of revenue for sugar mills. These price adjustments are seen as necessary to maintain the profitability and sustainability of the sugar industry, especially amid fluctuating global sugar prices and increased domestic production costs.
Conclusion: India’s Sugar Industry Positioned for Growth Amid Global Demand
India’s sugar export performance in the 2024-25 marketing year reflects the country’s growing influence in the global sugar market. With strong shipments to key markets in Africa and South Asia, the industry is poised to meet its export targets. However, challenges related to rising production costs and sugarcane prices remain, prompting calls from the AISTA for policy changes to ensure continued growth and profitability. As global demand for sugar continues to rise, India’s sugar industry is expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in the global marketplace.
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