The Price of a Kilo of Sugar Around the World

From one country to another, the price of a kilo of sugar can vary by as much as three times, raising intriguing questions: what lies behind these striking differences? This variation reflects economic realities, agricultural policies, and the ups and downs of the global market.

The Main Producers and Consumers of Sugar Around the World

The white crystal, as it is nicknamed, is derived mainly from two bases: sugar beet and, primarily, sugarcane. Sugar is both a staple food and a key ingredient in many industries. Producing countries are often located in tropical or subtropical regions, where climatic conditions favor sugarcane cultivation.

Who are the world's main sugar producers?

Brazil tops the list, largely dominating the sugar market; Brazil's annual production for 2024 is around 38 million tons. The country exports a large portion of its production to Europe and Asia. With an annual production of nearly 30 million tons, India ranks second among sugar-producing countries. Thailand produces nearly 11 million tons of sugar annually.

As for sugar consumers, the main ones are the United States, with a per capita consumption of approximately 40 kg per year. The European Union, with countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, constitutes one of the largest sugar consumption markets, particularly for soft drinks and food products. China and India, while major sugar producers, are also significant consumers, with a per capita consumption of approximately 19 kg per year.

Factors influencing the price of sugar

The price of sugar is subject to a multitude of factors that interact in complex ways, influencing costs on global and local markets. These factors include climatic and agricultural production conditions, which can affect sugarcane and sugar beet production. Also, rising energy costs directly impact production costs. Added to this are increased demand, trade policies, and exchange rate fluctuations.

Some figures on the price per kilogram of sugar in selected countries

In January 2025, the price of raw sugar in France was approximately €0.40 per kilogram, while refined sugar was trading at approximately €0.50. In Spain, the retail price of sugar has fluctuated between €0.45 and €0.63 per kilogram since March 2025. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this price varies between €0.89 and €1.77. In Romania, the average price of a kilo of sugar rose to around €0.90 in May 2023. In Egypt, it is €0.53 per kilo, and in Gaza, it reached €130 per kilogram due to extreme market conditions.

Despite price variations across the world, sugar remains a fundamental ingredient in the human diet. However, in the era of alternatives and health concerns, will sugar remain the undisputed pillar of our diet?