How to Import Sugar from Brazil: Types, Steps, and Business Opportunities -

How to Import Sugar from Brazil: Types, Steps, and Business Opportunities

Jacimara 0 Comments

Brazilian sugar is more than an agricultural product — it’s a strategic commodity in global trade, reaching markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe. As the world’s leading producer and exporter of sugar, Brazil offers competitive prices, high quality, and a reliable supply chain.

If you’re looking to import white refined sugar (Icumsa 45), raw sugar (VHP), or brown sugar, this guide will show you the complete process. From choosing the right type of sugar, through necessary documentation, to securing deals with trusted suppliers.

Contents

Why Import Sugar from Brazil?

Brazil is responsible for nearly half of the global sugar trade. Its sugar mills operate on a large scale, capable of supplying both small container orders and full shiploads in bulk.

Competitive advantages:

High agricultural productivity with top-quality sugarcane.
Established logistics infrastructure in ports like Santos, Paranaguá, Maceió, and Recife.
Global certifications such as Halal, Kosher, and ISO.
Attractive prices and profit margins for resellers and industries.

Types of Sugar Available for Import

Type of Sugar	ICUMSA Grade	Common Uses
White Refined Sugar	ICUMSA 45	Direct human consumption, beverages, food industry
VHP Sugar (Very High Polarization)	ICUMSA 600–1200	Further processing and local refining
Brown Sugar / Unrefined	Unrefined	Natural products, gourmet and culinary applications

Each type fits different market needs. Choosing the right sugar depends on the end use and local import regulations.

Steps to Import Sugar from Brazil

1. Understand Your Local Market

Before importing, assess:

Domestic consumption trends
Import duties and regulations
Preferred sugar types in your country

2. Choose a Supplier or Trading Company

In Brazil, sugar mills generally do not sell directly to foreign buyers. Transactions are conducted through licensed trading companies that connect global importers with certified producers.

Criteria for selecting a reliable supplier:

Proven export record
Quality certifications and product specs
Willingness to provide samples and contracts

3. Required Documentation

LOI (Letter of Intent)
RWA or BCL (Proof of funds)
KYC (Know Your Customer) document
Draft contract under ICC guidelines

4. Payment Methods

SBLC (Standby Letter of Credit)
Confirmed LC (Letter of Credit)
TT (Telegraphic Transfer) with phased payments

Top 50 global banks are typically required by Brazilian exporters for secure financial operations.

5. Export Logistics

Maritime shipping: container (FCL) or bulk vessel
Common Incoterms: FOB, CFR, CIF
Main export ports: Santos, Paranaguá, Recife

Real Case: Importing 12,500 MT of Icumsa 45 Sugar

Let’s say your company wants to import a full shipload of 12,500 metric tons of white refined sugar:

Average price: USD 500/MT
Total operation: USD 6,250,000
Payment method: Confirmed LC
Estimated delivery time: 15 to 25 days
Departure port: Santos, São Paulo

Practical Tips for New Sugar Importers

CONTAINER SUGAR ORDERS

⇒ Start with 5 to 10 containers to understand the process
⇒ Work with trading companies experienced in global transactions
⇒ Always request formal contracts with protection clauses
⇒ Use resources like the Mello Commodity Exporters Guide, which connects you to verified Brazilian suppliers

CONTRACTS FOR BULK SHIPPING FROM 12500 MT

Click Here – Fill out the form and request a quote from Mello Commodity

How to Find Reliable Sugar Exporters in Brazil

Mello Commodity provides a Brazilian Sugar Exporters Guide with trusted companies already active in international markets. Inside, you’ll find:

Company names
Available sugar types
Certifications (Halal, Kosher, ISO)
Locations and shipping ports
Monthly supply capacity
Download the guide here:

https://mellocommodity.com.br/brazilian-foods

Importing sugar from Brazil is a smart business opportunity for companies seeking growth through quality, competitive pricing, and supply reliability. With the right supplier, accurate documents, and clear planning, your operation can run smoothly and profitably.

Whether it’s a container or a full shipload, Brazil is ready to deliver sugar to the world. And Mello Commodity is ready to connect you to the best suppliers in the country.

The articles on the Mello Commodity Blog help international buyers navigate the purchase of Brazilian agricultural commodities by connecting them with trusted suppliers. Some content may include affiliate links to support the production of our Supplier Guides—which are non-profit, covering only maintenance and updates.

For sugar, soy, or corn quotes, request pricing via the QUOTE menu. For coffee, vegetable oil, beef, poultry, pork, or Halal products, download our pre-vetted Supplier Guides directly.

Jacimara

Brazilian, graduated in Marketing, Specialist in Service Management and Strategic Communication.

Important International Negotiator in the commercialization of Brazilian agricultural commodities such as: Sugar, Soybeans and Corn.

Owner of Mello Commdity, she has gained great prominence on the internet in recent years by promoting educational articles for importers of Brazilian agricultural commodities.