Month: September 2017

Sugar output in Thailand for 2017-18 (Nov-Oct) is expected to rise to 11.5-11.8 million tonne from 10 million tonne a year ago. The rise in sugar production can be attributed to increase in area under cane in the country and favorable weather conditions. Acreage has increased this season as cane prices for 2016-17 were good. The area under sugarcane in the country in 2017-18 is estimated at about 1.77-1.79 million hectares and the cane output is seen at 107-110 million tonne, higher from 92.90 million tonne produced a year ago.

Some sugar mills in western Uttar Pradesh are likely to begin cane crushing operations for 2017-18 (Oct-Sep) on Oct 10. Mills will halt cane processing for a week on account of Diwali, scheduled Oct 19, and resume crushing operations by Oct 25. Most mills in the state are expected to begin crushing sugarcane by late October.

Prices of sugar continued to fall in key wholesale markets of India after the government allowed imports of sugar. The government allowed import of 300,000 tonne raw sugar at a basic customs duty of 25% under the tariff-rate quota for 60 days. Sugar imports currently attract a duty of 50%.