European sugar production falls as imports rise

Europe’s sugar market is set for a clear shift in the coming period. Production is falling, while imports are projected to increase. At the same time, exports and inventories are declining. Price trends also remain in motion, with lower European prices contrasting with rising futures prices on the global market. The latest figures from the European Commission therefore point to several changes happening at once.

Less sugar from European production

Sugar production for 2026/27 is projected at 14.1 million tons. For 2025/26, the estimate still stands at 16.6 million tons. Total availability is expected to fall to 19.1 million tons.

Consumption remains almost unchanged at 13.7 million tons. Sugar imports are projected to rise to 2.3 million tons. For 2025/26, the figure is still 1.6 million tons.

Exports are expected to fall from 4.1 to 3.3 million tons. Ending stocks are also set to decline, to 2.1 million tons.

European sugar price remains lower

The average European price for white sugar stood at €501. This figure applies to June 2026. A year earlier, the price was still €536.

The Netherlands, together with Belgium, Germany and France, is part of Region 2. The average price there was €494 per ton. In June 2025, it was still €524.

Futures prices on the global market moved higher again. White sugar for October was quoted at €405 per ton. That was 6.1% higher than a month earlier.

Sugar beet price falls by 27%

The average price for sugar beet is also clearly lower. The preliminary European average stands at €39.60 per ton. That is 25% lower than in 2023/24.

In Region 2, the price stands at €38.70. This puts it 27% below the level of a year earlier.

Agriculture.ec.europa.eu