Thailand Sugar Industry Overview 2025-2026
An in-depth look at the world's second-largest sugar exporter — production capacity, export trends, regional strengths, and the future of Thai sugar.
Thailand's Position in the Global Sugar Market
Thailand has been the world's second-largest sugar exporter for over a decade, consistently trailing only Brazil in total export volume. In the 2024/2025 crushing season, Thailand produced approximately 10.2 million metric tons of sugar from 104 million metric tons of sugarcane crushed across 57 operational mills — making it one of the most productive sugar industries in the world on a per-capita basis.
The Thai sugar industry is a cornerstone of the national agricultural economy, directly supporting over 1.2 million farming families and employing hundreds of thousands of workers across mills, refineries, logistics companies, and trading houses. Sugarcane is cultivated on approximately 1.9 million hectares (11.9 million rai) of agricultural land, primarily in the northeastern and central regions of the country.
Thailand exports approximately 70% of its total sugar production, with the remaining 30% consumed domestically. This export-oriented structure means the Thai sugar industry is deeply integrated into global commodity markets and highly responsive to international demand signals. Thai sugar is shipped to over 120 countries, with the largest export destinations being Indonesia, Cambodia, China, the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, and various countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Several structural advantages underpin Thailand's competitiveness in global sugar trade. The country benefits from fertile tropical soils, adequate rainfall, established irrigation infrastructure, a large and experienced agricultural labor force, modern milling and refining technology, well-developed port infrastructure at Laem Chabang and Bangkok, and a regulatory framework that balances farmer welfare with export competitiveness. These factors combine to produce sugar at globally competitive costs while maintaining the quality standards demanded by international buyers.
Key Data
Thai Sugar Production Statistics
Key production metrics for Thailand's sugar industry across recent crushing seasons, illustrating the scale and trajectory of the sector.
| Metric | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarcane Crushed | 93.9 M MT | 82.3 M MT | 104.0 M MT |
| Sugar Production | 11.0 M MT | 8.8 M MT | 10.2 M MT |
| Sugarcane Area | 1.83 M ha | 1.76 M ha | 1.90 M ha |
| Number of Mills | 57 | 57 | 57 |
| Farming Families | 1.2 M | 1.2 M | 1.2 M |
| Yield (Cane/ha) | 51.3 MT | 46.8 MT | 54.7 MT |
| Sugar Recovery Rate | 11.72% | 10.69% | 9.81% |
Sources: Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), Thai Sugar Millers Corporation, USDA FAS. 2024/25 figures are estimates based on crushing season data through March 2025.
Seasonal Calendar
Thai Sugar Production Season
Thailand's sugarcane production cycle follows a distinct seasonal pattern driven by the tropical monsoon climate. Understanding this calendar is essential for international buyers planning procurement schedules and managing supply chain timing.
Planting Season
April - June
Sugarcane planting begins with the onset of the rainy season in April and continues through June. Farmers prepare fields, plant cane setts (stem cuttings), and apply initial fertilization. Thailand primarily uses commercial varieties LK92-11, Khon Kaen 3, and K95-84, which are selected for high sucrose content, disease resistance, and suitability to local soil conditions. Ratoon crops (regrowth from previous harvest stubble) account for approximately 60% of the total harvest area, reducing planting costs for farmers.
Growing Season
July - October
During the monsoon months, sugarcane undergoes rapid vegetative growth fueled by abundant rainfall (1,000-1,500mm) and warm temperatures (28-35 degrees Celsius). This is the critical growth period when canes accumulate the bulk of their biomass and sucrose content. Farmers manage weed control, pest monitoring, and supplemental irrigation during dry spells. By October, mature canes reach 2.5-4 meters in height, and the sucrose content begins to concentrate as the dry season approaches and the plant enters its ripening phase.
Harvest & Crushing
November - April
The crushing season begins in late November when sugarcane reaches peak sucrose content. Thailand's 57 mills operate continuously during this period, with each mill crushing between 10,000 and 30,000 metric tons of cane per day. Harvesting is performed by a mix of mechanical harvesters and manual cutters. Fresh-cut cane must reach the mill within 24-48 hours to prevent sucrose degradation. This is also the peak period for sugar export activity, as freshly produced sugar is available for shipment beginning in December through the following June.
Procurement Tip for International Buyers
The best time to negotiate and lock in prices for Thai sugar is typically September to November, just before the crushing season begins. Early-season contracts often secure more competitive pricing and guaranteed allocation, especially for ICUMSA 45 refined sugar which has limited production capacity. Buyers who wait until mid-season (February-March) may face higher prices and longer lead times as production capacity fills up. For year-round supply, consider establishing a term contract covering multiple shipments across the season.
Regional Breakdown
Major Sugarcane Growing Regions
Thailand's sugarcane cultivation is concentrated in four major regions, each with distinct agro-climatic conditions and production characteristics that influence the quality and volume of sugar output.
Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)
Northeast Thailand — Largest Production Zone
Nakhon Ratchasima province and its surrounding area on the Korat Plateau is the single largest sugarcane-producing zone in Thailand, accounting for approximately 25% of national output. The region's well-drained loamy soils, reliable monsoon rainfall, and extensive irrigation canal networks create ideal conditions for high-yield sugarcane cultivation. The province hosts 12 sugar mills, including some of Thailand's largest and most modern facilities. Sugar produced here is known for high sucrose recovery rates due to the favorable growing conditions and short cane-to-mill transport distances.
Udon Thani
Upper Northeast Thailand
Udon Thani and the upper Isan region form Thailand's second-largest sugarcane production cluster. The area benefits from the Mekong River basin's water resources and a slightly cooler dry season that promotes excellent sucrose accumulation in mature canes. Udon Thani's mills are known for producing high-quality raw sugar with consistent polarization levels. The region has seen significant investment in modern harvesting equipment over the past decade, improving efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses. Approximately 15% of Thailand's total sugarcane crop originates from this area.
Kanchanaburi
Western Thailand
Kanchanaburi province in western Thailand offers rich alluvial soils deposited by the Kwai River system, producing some of the highest per-hectare sugarcane yields in the country. The region's warmer and more humid microclimate supports a longer growing season and allows for more productive ratoon crops. Kanchanaburi is home to several vertically integrated sugar companies that operate both mills and refineries, producing finished ICUMSA 45 sugar for export. The region's proximity to Bangkok port provides a logistical advantage for export operations.
Suphan Buri
Central Thailand
Suphan Buri and the central plains region benefit from Thailand's most developed irrigation infrastructure, fed by the Chao Phraya River system and the Bhumibol Dam. This reliable water supply reduces drought risk and supports consistently high cane yields even in below-average rainfall years. The region is a major producer of refined white sugar, with several large refineries processing raw sugar from both local mills and other regions. Suphan Buri's central location provides efficient transportation access to both the eastern seaboard ports and Bangkok.
Regulatory Framework
Government Regulation: The OCSB
Thailand's sugar industry operates under the oversight of the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), a government agency under the Ministry of Industry established by the Cane and Sugar Act. The OCSB plays a central role in regulating every aspect of the sugar value chain, from sugarcane cultivation and pricing to mill operations and export quotas.
One of the OCSB's primary functions is administering the cane pricing system, which determines the price sugar mills pay to farmers based on a revenue-sharing formula. Under this system, approximately 70% of total sugar revenue (from both domestic sales and exports) is allocated to cane growers, with the remaining 30% retained by mills. This formula ensures farmers receive a fair share of the industry's value creation, supporting rural livelihoods and incentivizing continued sugarcane cultivation.
The OCSB also oversees the licensing of sugar exporters, monitors production quotas, and ensures compliance with international trade obligations. In 2018, Thailand reformed its sugar industry regulatory framework in response to WTO dispute settlement rulings, eliminating direct export subsidies and moving toward a more market-oriented pricing system. These reforms have increased transparency and strengthened Thailand's compliance with international trade rules.
For international buyers, the OCSB's regulatory oversight provides an additional layer of assurance regarding the quality and legitimacy of Thai sugar exports. All licensed exporters must maintain records and comply with quality standards monitored by the OCSB, reducing the risk of substandard products entering the international market.
Key OCSB Functions
- •Cane pricing administration and revenue sharing
- •Sugar mill and exporter licensing
- •Production and export quota management
- •Quality standards enforcement
- •Industry research and development funding
- •International trade compliance monitoring
Export Performance
Thai Sugar Export Statistics and Trends
Thailand's sugar export performance reflects the country's dominant position in global trade. Here is how Thai sugar exports have trended over recent years.
7.5 M MT
Exports 2024/25 (Est.)
$3.2B
Export Value (USD)
120+
Export Destinations
~70%
Production Exported
Thai sugar exports have demonstrated resilience despite global market volatility. In the 2024/2025 season, exports are estimated at approximately 7.5 million metric tons, rebounding from the drought-affected 2023/2024 season which saw exports decline to approximately 6.0 million metric tons. The export recovery is driven by increased sugarcane production following improved rainfall patterns and expanded planted area.
The composition of Thai sugar exports has evolved significantly over the past decade. While raw sugar (VHP and standard) still accounts for the majority of export volume (approximately 55-60%), the share of refined white sugar (ICUMSA 45 and ICUMSA 100) has grown steadily as Thai refineries expand capacity. This shift toward value-added refined products generates higher export revenue per ton and strengthens Thailand's competitive position in premium sugar markets.
Geographically, Asia remains the dominant destination for Thai sugar exports, absorbing approximately 65% of total volume. Indonesia is typically the single largest buyer, followed by Cambodia, China, and the Philippines. The Middle East accounts for approximately 15% of exports, with significant volumes going to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Africa represents a growing market, particularly for refined sugar, with Nigeria, Sudan, and Kenya as key destinations.
Top Export Destinations
Indonesia
~2.0 M MT
Raw & Refined
Cambodia
~0.8 M MT
Raw & Refined
China
~0.7 M MT
Raw Sugar
Philippines
~0.5 M MT
Refined
South Korea
~0.4 M MT
Raw Sugar
Japan
~0.3 M MT
Raw Sugar
Iraq
~0.3 M MT
Refined (ICUMSA 45)
Nigeria
~0.2 M MT
Refined
Taiwan
~0.2 M MT
Refined
Global Comparison
Thailand vs Brazil vs India: Sugar Industry Comparison
A side-by-side comparison of the world's three largest sugar-producing countries, highlighting key structural differences that influence competitiveness, reliability, and suitability for international buyers.
| Factor | Thailand | Brazil | India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Rank (Export) | 2nd | 1st | 3rd (variable) |
| Annual Production | ~10 M MT | ~38 M MT | ~33 M MT |
| Annual Exports | ~7.5 M MT | ~28 M MT | ~5-8 M MT |
| Export Share of Production | ~70% | ~65% | ~15-25% |
| Crushing Season | Nov - Apr | Apr - Nov | Oct - Apr |
| Primary Export Grade | ICUMSA 45 & Raw | VHP Raw | Raw & Refined |
| Supply Reliability | High | High | Variable |
| Export Policy | Market-oriented | Market-oriented | Govt. controlled (variable quotas) |
| Transit to Middle East | 14-18 days | 25-35 days | 5-10 days |
| Transit to East Asia | 7-12 days | 30-40 days | 12-20 days |
Why Thailand Stands Out
While Brazil dominates in sheer volume, Thailand offers distinct advantages for buyers in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Thailand's higher export-to-production ratio (approximately 70%) means the industry is structurally oriented toward serving international markets, unlike India where domestic consumption takes priority and export policy shifts unpredictably. Thailand's strategic geographic position provides significantly shorter and cheaper shipping to the world's fastest-growing sugar-importing regions. Combined with strong quality control standards, reliable regulatory oversight, and a track record of consistent supply, Thailand represents a dependable and competitive sourcing origin for sugar buyers worldwide.
Looking Ahead
Future Outlook for Thailand's Sugar Industry
Thailand's sugar industry is well-positioned for sustained growth over the next decade, supported by several positive structural trends and strategic investments across the value chain. The industry is evolving from a traditional commodity sector into a modern, diversified agro-industrial cluster that creates value beyond sugar alone.
Productivity improvements are a key growth driver. Thai sugar mills and research institutions continue to develop and release new sugarcane varieties with higher sucrose content, better drought tolerance, and improved disease resistance. Precision agriculture technologies — including GPS-guided planting, drone-based crop monitoring, and soil sensor networks — are being adopted by progressive farming operations, lifting per-hectare yields and reducing input costs. These improvements should help Thailand maintain globally competitive production costs even as labor and energy costs gradually increase.
Bioeconomy diversificationis transforming the industry's value proposition. Thai sugar mills are increasingly producing ethanol (for gasohol blending), bioelectricity (from bagasse cogeneration), and bio-based chemicals alongside conventional sugar. This diversification creates additional revenue streams, improves asset utilization, and positions the industry to benefit from growing global demand for renewable energy and sustainable materials. Several major Thai sugar groups have announced investments in advanced biorefinery projects that will convert sugarcane into high-value bio-plastics and biochemicals.
Sustainability and certification are becoming competitive differentiators in international sugar markets. Thai producers are responding to buyer demand for sustainably sourced sugar by pursuing Bonsucro certification (the leading global sustainability standard for sugarcane), implementing zero-burn harvesting practices, reducing water consumption through drip irrigation, and adopting carbon-neutral production targets. These efforts align with the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) priorities of multinational food and beverage companies that are increasingly scrutinizing their supply chain sustainability credentials.
Trade policy developmentscontinue to open new market opportunities. Thailand's participation in ASEAN free trade agreements, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and bilateral trade negotiations creates preferential market access for Thai sugar exports. As these agreements reduce tariff barriers, Thai sugar becomes increasingly price-competitive in key importing markets across the Asia-Pacific region.
While challenges remain — including climate variability, water resource competition, labor shortages in rural areas, and global sugar price volatility — Thailand's sugar industry has repeatedly demonstrated its resilience and adaptability. With a strong foundation of agricultural expertise, modern infrastructure, supportive regulation, and growing international demand, the outlook for Thai sugar exports remains fundamentally positive through 2030 and beyond.
Partner with Thailand's Trusted Sugar Exporter
Kanthararom Sugar has been at the heart of Thailand's sugar export industry for over two decades. Whether you need ICUMSA 45 refined white sugar, VHP raw sugar, or custom packaging solutions, our team is ready to provide competitive pricing and reliable supply.