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Rua Riachuelo, 366 Centro
Rio de janeiro - Brazil
9:00AM to 7:00 PM
Moday To Friday
+55 21 976 723 023
Hello, sugar importer and exporter! Understanding the nuances of the sugar price in the global market is crucial for the success of your business. This comprehensive guide explains the differences between sugar quotations on the main world exchanges, New York and London, and provides valuable insights for your buying and selling decisions. Get ready to master the sugar market!
Contents
For importers and exporters, understanding the fundamental distinction between the types of sugar traded on the exchanges is the first step toward a successful strategy. The New York and London exchanges, although both dealing with sugar, focus on different products, directly impacting the global sugar price.
The New York Sugar Market: The Benchmark for Raw Sugar (Sugar No. 11)
The Sugar No. 11 contract, traded on ICE Futures U.S. in New York, represents raw sugar in its less processed form, darker in color and with a sucrose content of approximately 96%.
Recent average (July–August 2025): US$ 16.39/lb
Range: minimum US$ 15.92 and maximum US$ 17.05
This value is the main reference for raw sugar importers, reflecting the global supply and demand for this agricultural commodity. Exporters from countries such as Brazil, one of the world’s largest producers, monitor this price daily to define their international strategies.
In contrast, ICE Futures Europe in London trades the White Sugar No. 5 contract, which refers to refined white sugar. This sugar undergoes additional refining and bleaching, making it suitable for direct consumption and industrial use in food and beverages.
Recent average (July–August 2025): US$ 474.85/ton
Range: minimum US$ 460.60 and maximum US$ 491.50
Compared to raw sugar in New York, white sugar in London typically trades at 30% to 40% higher prices, reflecting processing costs, logistics, and demand for a higher quality end product.
Beyond the distinction between raw and white sugar, several macroeconomic and sector-specific factors influence sugar prices on both exchanges. Importers and exporters should pay attention to:
Weather Conditions: Droughts, heavy rains, and frosts in major producing regions (Brazil, India, Thailand) directly affect supply and price.
Oil and Ethanol Prices: When oil rises, more sugarcane may be diverted to ethanol production, reducing sugar supply and pushing up prices.
Exchange Rates: Since sugar is quoted in U.S. dollars, a strong dollar can make imports more expensive for countries with weaker currencies.
Government Policies: Subsidies and trade barriers in key countries can distort global supply and demand.
Logistics and Freight Costs: Shipping and inland transport are major cost components; higher freight rates or supply chain bottlenecks increase final sugar prices.
REAL PRICE VS. OFFERED PRICE:
We publish the audited sugar price per ton today from 4 Brazilian sugar ICUMSA 45 suppliers. Compare before finalizing your purchase. TODAY https://mellocommodity.com.br/quotation/
In summary, the difference in sugar prices between New York (raw) and London (refined) lies in the stage of processing and additional costs involved. For sugar importers and exporters, success depends on monitoring not only quotations but also the underlying factors shaping global supply and demand, such as weather, exchange rates, logistics, and government policies.
By combining market analysis, risk management through futures contracts, and monitoring of international indexes, you will be better prepared to make strategic decisions and maximize profitability in the complex and dynamic global sugar market.
The price of sugar depends on many factors, so never trust price lists, prices published on marketplaces, or unsolicited offers that arrive by email.
Here is the translation into English, without the practical example:
RAW SUGAR (Export)
Formula:
Final Price = NY Price + Premium/Discount + Logistics Costs
How it works:
NY Price (New York Board of Trade) → Global benchmark for raw sugar (US cents per pound)
Premium or Discount → Quality, origin, harvest season, seller reputation
Premium (+) = better product, fast delivery
Discount (-) = lower quality, peak harvest
Logistics Costs → Inland transportation (mill → port) + ocean freight + insurance
REFINED SUGAR (Export)
Formula:
Final Price = London Price + Premium/Discount + Logistics Costs
How it works:
London Price (London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange) → Global benchmark for refined/white sugar (US$/ton)
Premium or Discount → Purity, granulation, packaging, deadline
Logistics Costs → Same logic: inland + international
Before requesting a quote, you need to clearly specify an order, including: Sugar type, packaging, quantity, incoterms, port of destination, payment method, among others.
Another important precaution is regarding who you will request a quote from. If you search for sugar suppliers on Google, the first pages of results are full of scammers who build websites to rank and deceive buyers with little experience. The safest way is to negotiate with a Business Hub like Mello Commodity, which deals directly with verified suppliers, has a history of regular shipments, and offers a streamlined and efficient sales process.
What is the difference between raw sugar (NY) and white sugar (London)?
Raw sugar (Sugar No. 11) is less processed with ~96% sucrose, while white sugar (White Sugar No. 5) is refined and ready for consumption or industrial use.
What are the most recent average prices?
Between July 22 and August 22, 2025, raw sugar in New York averaged US$ 16.39/lb, while white sugar in London averaged US$ 474.85/ton.
Why is the London price higher?
Because it includes refining, transport, and higher quality demand.
How do weather events influence sugar prices?
Phenomena such as drought or frost reduce supply, pushing prices higher.
Where can I check official sugar price indexes?
The International Sugar Organization (ISO) publishes the Sugar Price Index, a global reference for importers and exporters.
REAL PRICE VS. OFFERED PRICE:
We publish the audited sugar price per ton today from 4 Brazilian sugar ICUMSA 45 suppliers. Compare before finalizing your purchase. TODAY https://mellocommodity.com.br/quotation/
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.
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