Sugar Prices Climb on Year-End Short Covering

Group 1: Sugar Price Movements - March NY world sugar 11 increased by +0.20 (+1.35%) and March London ICE white sugar 5 rose by +2.40 (+0.56%) due to year-end fund short covering [1] - Sugar prices initially fell due to a rise in the dollar index, which impacted most commodity prices [1] Group 2: Brazil's Sugar Production Outlook - Brazil's sugar production for 2026/27 is expected to decline by -3.91% to 41.8 million metric tons (MMT) from 43.5 MMT in 2025/26, with exports projected to fall -11% year-on-year to 30 MMT [2] - Conab raised Brazil's 2025/26 sugar production estimate to 45 MMT from 44.5 MMT, indicating a bearish outlook for prices [5] - Cumulative sugar output in Brazil's Center-South region increased by +1.1% year-on-year to 39.904 MMT through November 2025/26 [5] Group 3: India's Sugar Production and Export Potential - India's sugar production estimate for 2025/26 was raised to 31 MMT, reflecting an increase of +18.8% year-on-year, with a significant production jump of +24% year-on-year to 11.83 MMT from October 1 to December 31 [3] - The Indian government may permit additional sugar exports to alleviate domestic supply issues, with a quota of 1.5 MMT allowed for the 2025/26 season [4] - The reduction in sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from 5 MMT may enhance export capabilities [3]