The raw sugar market is comprised of sugar derived from both sugarcane and sugarbeets. Production of sugar from sugarcane accounts for over 75% of all sugar produced in the world today The balance is produced from sugarbeets, usually directly into edible white sugar. Of all the sugar produced from sugarcane, around 60% is produced into raw sugar, with the other 40% produced directly into edible white sugar at the sugarcane factory.

Most sugar is consumed within the country of origin, with the remainder (around 25%) exported. Of this, around 60% of sugar exports are in the form of bulk raw sugar.

The bulk raw sugar market is characterised by surplus producers (exporters), intermediaries’ such as trade houses and end users or sugar refiners.

The Australian sugar industry produces raw sugar from sugarcane with Queensland producing around 95% of all sugar. Over 80% of all sugar produced in Australia is exported as bulk raw sugar, making Australia the second largest raw sugar exporter in the world.

The leading raw sugar exporters around the world today include:
Brazil, Australia, India, Thailand, Guatemala, Cuba and South Africa.

The leading raw sugar importers around the world today include:
Russia, European Union, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Algeria and China.


SUGAR MARKETING

Queensland Sugar Limited undertakes the export marketing activity for over 90% of all raw sugar exported from Australia. The marketing function involves a wide range of activities including sugar quality management, storage and handling, financial risk management, raw sugar sales, shipping and payment of funds.