India’s sugar sector continues to assert its global presence, with total exports reaching 7.75 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 marketing season, according to the All India Sugar Trade Association (AISTA). White sugar led the shipments at 6.13 lakh tonnes, followed by refined sugar at 1.04 lakh tonnes and raw sugar at 33,338 tonnes.

The marketing season, which runs from October to September, saw India export primarily to Djibouti (1.46 lakh tonnes), Somalia (1.35 lakh tonnes), Sri Lanka (1.34 lakh tonnes), and Afghanistan (75,533 tonnes). Additionally, around 21,000 tonnes of raw sugar were processed in Special Economic Zones, considered deemed exports.

While the government had approved 10 lakh tonnes of sugar exports for the season starting January 20, 2025, AISTA estimates actual exports will close at approximately 8 lakh tonnes. The trade body has urged the government to announce the export quota for the 2025-26 season by November 2025, following the same allocation and exchange policies as the previous year, to sustain momentum and market stability.

AISTA emphasized that early quota notification would help mills plan shipments efficiently, support India’s strategic position in global sugar trade, and ensure the sector remains competitive amid volatile international markets.