US Sugar Prices Rise 5.7% in April Amid Tight Imports and Freight Costs

Sugar prices in the United States increased during April xxxx, with White Sugar CFR Texas averaging USD xxx per metric ton, up x.xx from USD xxx per metric ton in March. The upward movement was mainly supported by tightening import availability and stable downstream demand from the food and beverage sector. Although regular sugar shipments from Mexico continued to enter the U.S. market, volumes remained insufficient to fully address the country’s structural supply deficit. At the same time, elevated out-of-quota import tariffs limited the competitiveness of Brazilian refined sugar cargoes, reducing spot availability along the Gulf Coast and supporting firmer CFR pricing.

On the global supply side, the sugar market remained influenced by developments in Brazil, the world’s leading exporter. Brazil’s Center-South region maintained high sugar production levels during April; however, rising crude oil and energy prices improved ethanol profitability, encouraging mills to divert...