Overview
- India's trade authority changed sugar's export status to prohibited on Wednesday, halting most shipments until September 30, 2026.
- The order covers raw, white and refined sugar, with exceptions for EU and US quota sales, government-to-government deals, Advance Authorisation Scheme cargo and consignments already loaded or customs-cleared.
- Global prices jumped after the notice, with New York raw sugar up more than 2 percent and London white sugar up about 3 percent, while Indian sugar stocks fell in early trading.
- Traders report roughly 800,000 tonnes were contracted and more than 600,000 tonnes had already shipped, prompting mills and farmer leaders to seek clearance for remaining deals.
- Officials point to tighter balances this season, with output near 275 lakh tonnes, consumption around 280 lakh tonnes and stocks near 45 lakh tonnes, and warn of El Niño and West Asia risks that could shift more buying to Brazil and Thailand.