Thailand Aims for Higher Sugar Exports Amid Favorable Weather Conditions

Thailand, a prominent global sugar exporter, is strategically positioning itself for a substantial increase in sugar exports during the current 2025/26 season. This optimistic outlook is largely attributed to favorable weather conditions and an anticipated rebound in sugarcane yields across the country. Initial reports from the Thai Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) indicate that the ongoing harvest is progressing efficiently, with cane crushing rates already surpassing those of the previous year. Crucially, Thailand experienced adequate rainfall during the vital growth stages, fostering healthier crops and leading to a higher sugar content in the cane. This positive development offers a welcome reprieve following several consecutive seasons of production hampered by drought. Industry experts are projecting that Thailand could export upwards of 8 million metric tons of sugar this marketing year, marking a significant increase from the previous season's figures. This surge in supply from Thailand is expected to introduce a degree of stability to the global market, potentially mitigating concerns arising from production challenges in other major producing nations. Nevertheless, logistics and shipping costs remain a critical consideration for Thai exporters, particularly given the current volatile dynamics of the global freight market. The increased availability of Thai sugar could intensify competition within key Asian markets and potentially exert downward pressure on regional prices, depending on the overarching global supply-demand balance.