Sugar production in the United States projected to reach an all-time high at 9.42 million short tons in the 2025-26 season starting in October due to higher output for beet and cane sugar, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Tuesday.
The USDA raised its forecast for beet sugar production to 5.26 million short tons, up from 5.09 million short tons estimated last month. Cane sugar output is now projected at 4.16 million short tons, up from the previous estimate of 4.09 million short tons.
This record harvest is likely to boost domestic sugar availability following years of tight supply, though it may lead to lower prices for farmers, according to the Reuters.
The sugar stocks-to-use ratio, a key measure of supply, was projected at 17.8% for 2025-26, higher than the USDA’s benchmark of 13.5% for market balance.
As a result of the increased production, sugar imports are expected to decline to 2.45 million short tons, compared to 3.2 million short tons in the previous season.
