The USDA’s recent revisions for U.S. sugar production and usage in May 2025 have brought to light some interesting trends for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, released on May 12, 2025, provides updated figures that reflect lower estimates for both domestic output and consumption. According to the report, total U.S. sugar production is estimated at 9.285 million short tons, raw value (STRV), a slight decrease from previous years. This change is attributed to various factors, including regional shifts in production.
U.S. Sugar Production: A Slight Decline with Regional Shifts
Total U.S. sugar production for 2025/26 is estimated at 9.285 million STRV. The breakdown of this production is primarily between beet sugar and cane sugar. Beet sugar accounts for 5.180 million STRV (56% of total), based on prospective planting and a national average yield of 31.863 tons/acre with a recovery rate of 14.79%. Cane sugar production is estimated at 4.105 million STRV (44% of total), showing a 3% increase from 2024/25 due to increased acreage in Louisiana.
The regional shifts in sugar production are notable, with Louisiana seeing an increase in cane sugar acreage. Florida, on the other hand, maintained stable acreage. Sugar from desugared molasses is estimated at 400,000 STRV, reflecting increased capacity. As stated in the USDA WASDE report on May 12, 2025, “United States domestic sugar production, which consists of sugar extracted from both sugarbeets and sugarcane, is estimated at 9.285 million short tons raw value (STRV) for the 2025/26 FY.”
Domestic Sugar Use and Import Trends for 2025/26
Total domestic use of sugar is projected at 12.355 million STRV. Domestic production (9.285 million STRV) and net stocks usage (0.596 million STRV) account for 80% of total domestic use. The remaining 20% is met through sugar imports, which are projected at 2.475 million STRV. For those interested in the impact of sugar prices, you can check out this article on sugar prices dropping.
The breakdown of sugar imports includes TRQ (Tariff Rate Quota) imports at 1.419 million STRV, imports from Mexico at 668,925 STRV, high-tier tariff refined sugar imports at 131,374 STRV (down 50% from 2024/25), and re-export imports at 200,000 STRV. These figures indicate a reliance on international trade to meet domestic sugar demands.
Year-over-Year Comparison: Production Trends
A comparison of the 2024/25 and 2025/26 fiscal years reveals some interesting trends. Total sugar production decreased from approximately 9.413 million STRV in 2024/25 to 9.285 million STRV in 2025/26. Beet sugar production increased from 5.052 million STRV to 5.180 million STRV, while cane sugar production saw a significant increase from 3.977 million STRV to 4.105 million STRV, primarily due to Louisiana’s acreage growth.
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Global Sugar Context and U.S. Market Position
Globally, sugar production is projected to rise 4.7% year-over-year to a record 189.3 million metric tons (MMT) for 2025/26. In contrast, the U.S. faces a more restricted supply situation due to domestic production and trade constraints. This disparity highlights the importance of understanding both global and local market trends. Those interested in related commodities can explore how cocoa prices affect the baking industry.
Key Reports and Regional Production Locations
The USDA releases several key reports that provide insights into the sugar market. These include the WASDE report released on May 12, 2025, the Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook: May 2025 published on May 16, 2025, and The 2025 Sugar Market Domestic Supply and Outlook posted on May 28, 2025. For more information on related agricultural products, you can visit the page on spring wheat supply outlook for 2025-26.
Regional production locations play a crucial role in the U.S. sugar industry. Beet sugar production is concentrated in the Midwest and Northern Plains, while cane sugar production is primarily in Louisiana and Florida. For further details, you can contact the USDA Economic Research Service or the World Agricultural Outlook Board.