London sugar traders returned from Easter Break in a bullish mood, bidding futures up nearly 1% in early trading, but these gains later evaporated and raw sugar futures were recently down 0.8% at 16.37 cents. Meanwhile, raw sugar futures were up 0.4%. Sugar traders continue to pay close attention to the weather in Brazil. There are concerns that heavy rains forecast for this week would slow down cane crushing in the south. Crucial monsoon rains were expected to be average in 2017. Overall sugar market remains well supplied and that is keeping a lid on sugar prices. There are high expectations for sugar crops around the world and a USDA report released Monday pointed out that 2017-18 Thai output will be 11.2 million tonnes, up 12% from 2016-17. Meanwhile, in India, cooperative sugar mills announced their opposition to any further duty-free raw sugar imports or extension of the time limit. India recently announced that it would allow the import of five lakh tons of sugar, duty-free. Imports were initially allowed through June 12, but the government extended the deadline to June 30. The country production in the 2016-17 sugar season (Oct-Sept) will be 200 lakh tonnes and opening stocks of 77 lakh tonne and imports of five lt takes the total availability of sugar to 282 lakh tonne. After deducting estimated consumption of 240 lakh tonne, we will start the next season with stocks of 42 lakh tonne which is comfortable enough.