China and Indonesia, the World's Largest Raw Sugar Importers in 2024/2025

Based on data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), global raw sugar imports reached 56.59 million metric tons in the 2024/2025 marketing year.

During this period, China and Indonesia were the world's largest importers of raw sugar, each importing 5.20 million metric tons.

"Despite increased domestic production, sugar imports (China) are also expected to rise to cover the gap between supply and demand," the USDA wrote in its report, Sugar: World Markets and Trade.

While Indonesia's raw sugar production is predicted to increase in the following harvest season, import volume is projected to decrease.

The following is a list of the top 10 countries with the largest global raw sugar import volumes during the 2024/2025 marketing year:

1. China: 5.20 million metric tons

2. Indonesia: 5.20 million metric tons

3. United States: 2.67 million metric tons

4. India: 2.35 million metric tons

5. UAE: 2.27 million metric tons

6. Algeria: 2.25 million metric tons

7. Malaysia: 2.16 million metric tons

8. Saudi Arabia: 1.98 million metric tons

9. European Union: 1.95 million metric tons

10. Nigeria: 1.82 million metric tons

The USDA's global 2024/2025 marketing year data refers to a 12-month period from May 2024 to April 2025, including for Indonesia.

However, some countries have different trading patterns. For example, China, the United States, India, and the European Union, where the 2024/2025 season refers to the 12-month period from October 2024 to September 2025.