Sugar cane Production by Country 2025
Sugar cane dominates global sweetener production with Brazil leading at 782.6 million tonnes in 2023, projected to reach 752.2 million tonnes by 2025. Worldwide output reached 2.03 billion tonnes in 2023, up 5.2% from 2022, spanning 98 countries across tropical and subtropical regions. India produces 490.5 million tonnes, China contributes 104.6 million tonnes, and Thailand adds 94.0 million tonnes. This tropical grass, cultivated for 8,000+ years, provides 80% of world's sugar and increasingly serves biofuel production—Brazil converts 50%+ of harvest into ethanol. Sugar cane requires 12-18 months to mature, producing 60-100 tonnes/hectare of stalks containing 10-15% sucrose, making it world's most efficient sugar source and largest crop by tonnage.
Brazil leads with 782.6 million tonnes in 2023, accounting for 39% of global production, concentrated in São Paulo state's Center-South region producing 90% of national output. Brazilian sugar cane serves dual purpose—mills flex between sugar and ethanol production based on market prices. In 2023, 50% became ethanol (30 billion liters), 45% sugar (40 million tonnes), with 5% for cachaça and other products. This flex-fuel system provides price stability and energy security. Brazil pioneered large-scale ethanol program in 1970s following oil crisis, now mandating 27% ethanol blend in gasoline. Mechanized harvesting dominates (95%+ in São Paulo) following manual harvest bans due to health concerns from pre-harvest burning. However, expansion pressures Amazon and Cerrado ecosystems. Brazilian mills achieve world's lowest production costs ($0.10-0.15/kg sugar) through economies of scale, favorable climate enabling year-round crushing, and cogeneration selling surplus electricity to grid. India produces 490.5 million tonnes with impressive growth from 379.9 million in 2018, ranking second globally. Production concentrates in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka states where smallholder farmers (average 2 hectares) dominate. Indian sugar cane primarily becomes sugar (35 million tonnes annually) and jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), with limited ethanol production despite government mandates. India alternates between world's largest sugar producer and consumer, with exports fluctuating 0-10 million tonnes based on domestic surplus. Government policies including minimum cane prices, export subsidies, and ethanol blending mandates heavily influence production. China produces 104.6 million tonnes concentrated in Guangxi and Yunnan provinces, serving domestic sugar consumption with minimal exports. Thailand contributes 94.0 million tonnes, down from 135.1 million in 2018 due to drought, ranking as major sugar exporter (8-10 million tonnes annually) to Asia and Middle East. Pakistan produces 87.6 million tonnes, Indonesia 34.7 million tonnes, and Vietnam 11.8 million tonnes, all primarily for domestic markets. Mexico produces 56.0 million tonnes supplying domestic consumption and USMCA exports to USA. Colombia contributes 32.4 million tonnes, Guatemala 26.4 million tonnes, and Argentina 15.4 million tonnes. Cuba, once sugar giant exporting 7+ million tonnes, collapsed to 8.3 million tonnes production as Soviet subsidies ended and infrastructure deteriorated. Australia produces 32.6 million tonnes, ranking as major exporter (4-5 million tonnes raw sugar) to Asia. South Africa contributes 17.9 million tonnes. Egypt produces 15.3 million tonnes, Peru 10.1 million tonnes, and Bolivia 10.3 million tonnes. These producers balance domestic consumption with export opportunities, though most sugar trade involves refined sugar rather than raw cane. Sugar cane thrives in tropical/subtropical climates with temperatures 20-30°C, 1,500-2,500mm annual rainfall, and frost-free conditions. Propagation uses stem cuttings (setts) planted in furrows. Crop matures 12-18 months (plant cane), with subsequent ratoon crops harvested every 12 months for 3-5 cycles before replanting. Harvest timing critical—sucrose content peaks then declines. Manual harvesting with machetes dominates developing countries, while mechanized harvesters prevail in Brazil, Australia, and USA. Pre-harvest burning removes leaves, though banned in many regions due to air pollution and health impacts. Processing must occur within 24-48 hours as sucrose degrades rapidly. Mills crush cane extracting juice (10-15% sucrose), then clarify, evaporate, crystallize, and centrifuge producing raw sugar. Bagasse (fibrous residue) fuels boilers generating electricity—modern mills produce surplus power sold to grid. Molasses byproduct becomes animal feed, ethanol, or rum. Sugar cane ethanol transformed from niche product to major biofuel, with Brazil producing 30+ billion liters annually—second only to USA's corn ethanol. Brazilian flex-fuel vehicles (70%+ of fleet) run on any gasoline-ethanol blend, with consumers choosing based on price. Ethanol provides 40-50% of Brazil's transport fuel, reducing oil imports and CO2 emissions. Sugar cane ethanol offers superior energy balance (8:1 output:input) versus corn ethanol (1.3:1) and lower greenhouse gas emissions (60-90% reduction versus gasoline). India mandates 10% ethanol blending, targeting 20% by 2025, though production lags demand. Thailand, Colombia, and other producers develop ethanol industries. However, food-versus-fuel debates persist—diverting cane from sugar to ethanol affects global sugar prices and food security. Global sugar production averages 180 million tonnes annually from cane (80%) and beet (20%). Only 60-70 million tonnes (35%) enters international trade—lowest ratio among major commodities—as most countries prioritize self-sufficiency. Brazil dominates exports (25-30 million tonnes), followed by Thailand (8-10 million), India (0-10 million, highly variable), Australia (4-5 million), and Guatemala (2-3 million). Major importers include China (5-6 million tonnes), Indonesia (4-5 million), USA (3-4 million despite domestic production), EU (3-4 million), and Bangladesh (2-3 million). Sugar prices fluctuate $200-600/tonne based on weather, oil prices (affecting ethanol demand), currency movements, and government policies. Subsidies, tariffs, and quotas heavily distort markets—EU, USA, India, and others protect domestic industries through trade barriers. Sugar cane cultivation faces mounting sustainability concerns. Water consumption (1,500-2,000mm annually) strains resources in drought-prone regions. Fertilizer runoff pollutes waterways—nitrogen and phosphorus cause algal blooms and dead zones. Pesticide use threatens biodiversity. Expansion drives deforestation in Brazil's Amazon and Cerrado, Indonesia, and other tropical regions. Pre-harvest burning releases particulates causing respiratory illness, though mechanization reduces burning. Labor conditions remain problematic—low wages, dangerous work, and occasional forced labor. However, sugar cane offers sustainability benefits: bagasse cogeneration provides renewable electricity, ethanol reduces fossil fuel dependence, and high productivity per hectare limits land requirements. Certification schemes (Bonsucro, Rainforest Alliance) promote responsible production. Global sugar cane production projected to grow 1-2% annually through 2030, driven by population growth, rising incomes in developing countries, and biofuel demand. Brazil maintains dominance through continued mechanization, productivity improvements, and flex-fuel system balancing sugar-ethanol production. India's production growth supports domestic consumption and occasional exports. Climate change poses risks—drought reduces yields, irregular rainfall disrupts harvests, and rising temperatures may shift suitable growing regions. Breeding programs develop drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and high-sucrose varieties. Precision agriculture optimizes inputs. However, health concerns about sugar consumption may limit demand growth in developed countries, while biofuel mandates drive alternative uses. The industry must balance food security, energy production, and environmental sustainability while adapting to climate change and evolving consumer preferences in this ancient crop's modern transformation.🏆 Brazil's Ethanol-Sugar Powerhouse
Sugar cane Production by Country 2025
1
752,244,587
2
458,173,885
3
104,629,900
4
87,984,796
5
87,943,294
6
55,704,925
7
34,590,000
8
33,852,610
9
31,122,177
10
30,342,516
11
26,063,600
12
23,117,570
13
17,785,100
14
15,674,170
15
15,495,790
16
11,396,748
17
11,141,293
18
10,062,809
19
9,886,442
20
8,969,025
21
8,345,218
22
7,723,515
23
7,437,861
24
7,053,833
25
6,949,810
26
6,388,086
27
6,140,527
28
5,547,238
29
5,525,731
30
5,303,585
31
5,072,495
32
4,541,435
33
4,382,123
34
3,679,754
35
3,557,219
36
3,218,879
37
3,160,727
38
3,149,733
39
3,084,011
40
2,452,289
41
2,437,302
42
2,257,755
43
2,152,241
44
1,977,177
45
1,893,993
46
1,664,303
47
1,557,882
48
1,546,835
49
1,509,263
50
1,501,550
51
1,275,212
52
1,262,902
53
1,144,392
54
1,055,025
55
1,011,021
56
961,065
57
830,914
58
789,145
59
721,963
60
703,461
61
639,665
62
520,510
63
506,282
64
486,874
65
485,609
66
466,999
67
451,180
68
326,899
69
322,477
70
278,032
71
262,290
72
244,745
73
185,336
74
156,173
75
130,718
76
102,671
77
87,797
78
83,635
79
82,415
80
78,165
81
62,694
82
53,805
83
22,929
84
21,112
85
7,335
86
6,927
87
4,875
88
3,563
89
1,669
90
1,440
91
229
92
72
93
56
94
12
95
2
🌏 Asian Production Giants
🌎 Americas and Other Producers
🌱 Cultivation and Processing
⚡ Ethanol Revolution
📊 Global Sugar Markets
🌍 Sustainability Challenges
🔮 Future Outlook
Sugar cane Production by Country 2025
#
1
747,556,774
753,470,465
756,070,576
715,679,276
726,052,712
782,585,836
752,244,587
2
379,904,850
405,416,180
370,500,300
405,398,710
439,424,890
490,533,351
458,173,885
3
108,097,100
109,388,100
108,121,000
106,663,800
103,381,300
104,565,500
104,629,900
4
135,073,799
131,002,173
74,968,070
66,725,460
92,162,730
93,981,770
87,984,796
5
67,173,975
66,379,581
81,009,261
88,650,593
87,981,135
87,637,669
87,943,294
6
56,841,523
59,334,059
53,841,557
55,247,516
55,556,083
55,977,193
55,704,925
7
29,500,000
29,100,000
29,300,000
32,200,000
36,000,000
34,700,000
34,590,000
8
33,454,409
33,835,406
36,364,744
34,583,307
35,760,539
32,415,575
33,852,610
9
33,506,830
32,415,352
30,283,457
31,133,488
28,669,280
32,589,391
31,122,177
10
31,335,980
28,972,760
32,749,370
29,790,130
31,453,000
29,897,180
30,342,516
11
27,665,415
29,865,166
27,669,110
25,525,851
25,845,178
26,409,752
26,063,600
12
24,730,820
20,719,291
24,398,941
26,277,402
23,455,404
21,650,938
23,117,570
13
19,301,688
19,242,000
18,220,000
17,199,000
17,911,000
17,944,000
17,785,100
14
18,579,894
18,251,074
17,500,000
16,530,000
15,500,000
15,436,339
15,674,170
15
15,823,103
15,335,972
15,860,450
15,959,305
15,564,534
15,269,137
15,495,790
16
17,945,204
15,685,618
11,534,589
10,740,873
11,088,957
11,843,773
11,396,748
17
11,397,183
11,846,176
11,551,111
11,333,345
10,880,602
11,220,886
11,141,293
18
9,616,440
9,558,472
10,094,423
10,057,104
9,659,111
10,307,309
10,062,809
19
10,336,178
10,902,906
10,465,212
9,837,219
9,583,744
10,087,751
9,886,442
20
12,600,000
17,000,000
13,871,764
10,230,634
9,300,000
8,265,796
8,969,025
21
9,100,206
8,572,287
8,360,688
7,840,012
8,258,193
8,599,516
8,345,218
22
7,502,251
9,257,700
11,016,167
11,372,505
7,740,492
6,253,732
7,723,515
23
7,295,505
7,681,286
7,508,773
7,681,286
7,350,297
7,393,029
7,437,861
24
7,314,735
7,042,715
6,992,541
6,829,944
7,351,421
6,964,837
7,053,833
25
5,262,157
4,606,100
6,810,898
7,659,100
8,799,800
5,556,100
6,949,810
26
6,160,000
5,819,500
7,430,975
7,221,100
5,048,888
6,858,400
6,388,086
27
5,503,000
5,500,000
5,360,000
5,900,000
6,218,982
6,189,665
6,140,527
28
5,440,560
5,562,674
5,860,931
5,886,527
5,116,000
5,670,266
5,547,238
29
5,691,561
5,690,255
5,759,016
5,266,602
5,539,396
5,621,184
5,525,731
30
5,526,000
5,409,014
5,030,354
4,815,043
5,507,734
5,376,513
5,303,585
31
5,809,353
4,895,891
5,317,273
5,505,530
5,618,097
4,571,919
5,072,495
32
4,630,000
4,682,000
4,483,188
4,250,000
4,550,000
4,652,869
4,541,435
33
6,084,000
5,449,000
5,136,506
4,300,000
4,451,321
4,373,454
4,382,123
34
4,007,955
4,009,954
4,194,597
3,995,020
3,897,888
3,422,767
3,679,754
35
3,117,812
3,589,459
3,563,738
3,509,360
3,536,366
3,588,874
3,557,219
36
3,116,580
3,147,189
3,204,645
3,204,400
3,235,339
3,214,794
3,218,879
37
2,903,000
2,881,000
3,075,292
3,172,958
3,138,702
3,169,051
3,160,727
38
3,558,182
3,557,934
3,400,176
3,183,943
3,159,634
3,130,109
3,149,733
39
3,638,731
3,141,923
3,682,951
3,332,546
3,087,428
2,982,546
3,084,011
40
2,223,155
2,351,848
2,700,000
2,608,455
2,379,010
2,433,789
2,452,289
41
3,154,515
3,405,250
2,620,874
2,669,667
2,256,806
2,452,653
2,437,302
42
3,139,000
3,913,000
2,737,556
2,781,587
2,969,375
1,621,251
2,257,755
43
2,026,300
2,100,000
1,970,000
2,129,217
2,170,700
2,150,376
2,152,241
44
3,206,225
3,104,097
3,335,090
2,698,459
2,133,000
1,595,171
1,977,177
45
2,659,360
2,423,049
2,521,268
2,190,705
2,576,861
1,365,587
1,893,993
46
1,707,537
1,794,029
1,536,864
1,893,663
1,803,634
1,488,960
1,664,303
47
1,697,000
1,806,000
1,726,000
1,417,000
1,639,000
1,565,564
1,557,882
48
1,499,276
1,503,576
1,532,458
1,540,326
1,557,084
1,543,289
1,546,835
49
1,834,525
1,490,470
1,375,459
1,141,200
1,502,200
1,660,726
1,509,263
50
1,490,408
1,509,395
1,500,248
1,500,017
1,503,220
1,501,162
1,501,550
51
1,378,000
1,390,000
1,300,000
1,260,000
1,271,000
1,283,824
1,275,212
52
1,196,000
1,174,000
1,336,000
1,359,000
1,272,000
1,219,005
1,262,902
53
1,178,019
1,185,837
1,148,356
1,148,712
1,145,389
1,142,065
1,144,392
54
1,214,495
1,119,149
1,217,154
1,270,558
1,086,587
949,874
1,055,025
55
639,421
755,000
865,000
1,002,000
1,013,000
1,013,442
1,011,021
56
1,294,081
1,499,134
1,345,431
815,327
1,080,000
948,000
961,065
57
644,785
653,053
855,045
825,541
876,660
805,616
830,914
58
691,900
618,300
670,308
775,416
779,837
800,221
789,145
59
674,612
670,000
684,591
718,565
717,717
725,869
721,963
60
584,159
650,000
660,000
665,000
676,227
735,186
703,461
61
258,091
320,661
436,995
653,355
650,000
627,989
639,665
62
356,500
416,900
417,000
462,000
523,700
542,000
520,510
63
498,869
501,987
504,446
503,870
505,725
507,581
506,282
64
616,114
518,956
792,492
613,254
571,894
385,310
486,874
65
621,871
575,347
530,796
594,724
515,779
423,861
485,609
66
407,903
330,000
427,600
478,100
481,345
453,951
466,999
67
1,028,400
744,165
522,503
499,044
479,957
414,769
451,180
68
350,000
350,000
352,151
354,000
319,000
320,798
326,899
69
311,691
314,436
318,940
319,642
321,784
324,026
322,477
70
274,326
275,111
276,319
276,917
277,775
278,632
278,032
71
290,504
282,442
276,776
273,577
240,000
271,150
262,290
72
230,000
233,000
213,000
242,200
252,400
241,170
244,745
73
178,439
182,919
190,950
157,913
186,400
195,666
185,336
74
152,724
153,813
155,170
155,324
155,977
156,630
156,173
75
115,000
125,500
127,501
129,802
129,862
131,598
130,718
76
98,521
101,576
102,212
102,901
103,671
101,979
102,671
77
100,600
80,000
75,000
83,394
92,496
86,739
87,797
78
146,831
84,589
91,389
92,129
95,955
72,846
83,635
79
80,933
81,662
82,840
81,739
82,256
82,781
82,415
80
75,500
75,500
75,500
75,500
75,500
80,831
78,165
81
61,739
62,251
62,658
62,224
62,586
62,948
62,694
82
25,421
36,538
40,292
41,434
58,394
56,000
53,805
83
22,940
22,940
22,940
22,900
22,930
22,940
22,929
84
23,475
20,761
23,519
25,591
25,032
16,969
21,112
85
5,828
4,858
3,282
5,618
6,276
8,658
7,335
86
6,790
6,843
7,031
6,888
6,921
6,946
6,927
87
4,869
4,869
4,870
4,871
4,874
4,877
4,875
88
3,438
3,460
3,508
3,534
3,556
3,578
3,563
89
1,650
1,650
1,500
1,599
1,683
1,689
1,669
90
0
0
0
0
1,800
1,800
1,440
91
101
396
366
254
229
219
229
92
0
0
102
76
81
64
72
93
56
56
55
55
55
56
56
94
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
95
0
0
0
2
2
3
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most sugar cane in the world?
Brazil is the world's largest sugar cane producer with 782,585,836 tonnes in 2023, accounting for 39% of global production. Production concentrates in São Paulo state's Center-South region producing 90% of national output. Brazilian sugar cane serves dual purpose through flex-fuel mills that adjust between sugar (45% of harvest, 40 million tonnes) and ethanol production (50%, 30 billion liters) based on market prices. This system provides energy security and price stability while achieving world's lowest production costs ($0.10-0.15/kg sugar) through mechanization, favorable climate, and bagasse cogeneration selling surplus electricity.
How is sugar cane used for both sugar and ethanol?
Sugar cane contains 10-15% sucrose that can be processed into either sugar or ethanol. Brazilian mills pioneered flex-fuel systems allowing real-time switching based on market prices—when oil prices rise, more cane becomes ethanol; when sugar prices spike, production shifts to sugar. Processing extracts juice through crushing, then either crystallizes it into sugar or ferments it into ethanol. Brazil produces 30+ billion liters of ethanol annually, providing 40-50% of transport fuel for flex-fuel vehicles. Sugar cane ethanol offers superior energy balance (8:1 output:input) versus corn ethanol (1.3:1) and 60-90% lower greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline, making it world's most efficient biofuel source.
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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