The Three Countries That Supply The Most Sugar In The World - Tasting Table

"Sugar is one of the most fundamental food products in the world, and the countries that supply the most sugar are unsurprisingly spread out all over the globe. Sugar, of course, comes from all different kinds of crops, but when it comes to the commercial production of the different types of sugar we use in cooking and baking, two dominate."

"The top three sugar suppliers all fit that bill, with Brazil, India, and China being the world's largest single countries that produce sugar, although the European Union as a whole actually produces more than China. Brazil and India are the true dominant forces in sugar, with Brazil producing 24% of the world's supply, and India 14%. China ends up at only 6%, which is barely ahead of fourth-place Thailand,"

Sugar for commercial use comes mainly from sugarcane and sugar beets, which grow in very different climates. Sugarcane thrives in tropical, hot, moist regions with average year-round temperatures above 75°F and high water availability. Sugar beet production allows sugar to be grown in temperate zones. Brazil, India, and China are the largest single-country producers, with Brazil supplying about 24% and India about 14% of global output; the European Union collectively produces more than China. Thailand and the United States follow, with the U.S. growing cane in southern states and beets in northern states. Government programs significantly influence production and trade alongside climate suitability.

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