Sugar Prices Climb on Strength in the Brazilian Real

Core Viewpoint - Sugar prices have increased due to a rally in the Brazilian real, which has led to short covering in sugar futures, while higher production in Brazil and India, along with a projected global sugar surplus, are expected to exert downward pressure on prices. Group 1: Sugar Price Movements - March NY world sugar 11 closed up +0.22 (+1.49%) and March London ICE white sugar 5 closed up +4.80 (+1.14%) [1] - The rally in the Brazilian real to a 2.25-month high against the dollar has prompted short covering in sugar futures, discouraging export sales from Brazil's sugar producers [1] Group 2: Production and Supply Dynamics - Brazil's cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through December rose by +0.9% year-on-year to 40.222 million metric tons (MMT) [3] - The ratio of cane crushed for sugar in Brazil increased to 50.82% in 2025/26 from 48.16% in 2024/25 [3] - India's sugar output from October 1 to January 15 is up +22% year-on-year to 15.9 MMT, with the total production estimate for 2025/26 raised to 31 MMT, up +18.8% year-on-year [5] - The Indian government may permit additional sugar exports to alleviate a domestic supply glut, allowing mills to export 1.5 MMT of sugar in the 2025/26 season [6] Group 3: Global Sugar Surplus Outlook - Covrig Analytics raised its 2025/26 global sugar surplus estimate to 4.7 MMT from 4.1 MMT, but projects a decline to 1.4 MMT in 2026/27 due to weak prices discouraging production [4] - An excessively long position in London ICE white sugar futures could exacerbate any price decline, with funds boosting their net long positions to a record 48,203 [2]