Thai Sugar vs Brazilian Sugar: Which Should You Source?
- Joanna Cismaru (Jo Cooks)
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
The Two Giants of Global Sugar Export
Brazil and Thailand together supply ~50% of global sugar exports. Brazil dominates the Atlantic-facing markets (Americas, Europe, West Africa). Thailand dominates Asia, the Middle East and East/Southern Africa. For many buyers in between, the choice between Thai and Brazilian sugar comes down to price, transit time, grade availability and payment friction.
Volume Comparison (2026 Estimates)
Brazil | Thailand | |
Annual sugar exports | ~30 million MT | ~7 million MT |
Global market share | 45% | 11% |
Main grades exported | VHP raw, ICUMSA 45 | ICUMSA 45, raw, brown |
Main loading ports | Santos, Paranaguá | Bangkok, Laem Chabang |
Brazil exports 4× more volume — but Thailand wins on logistics for many destinations.
Price Comparison (FOB, 2026)
Grade | Brazil (FOB Santos) | Thailand (FOB Bangkok) |
ICUMSA 45 | $280-$370/MT | $370-$480/MT |
Raw / VHP | $340-$450/MT | $450-$480/MT |
Brown sugar | $240-$300/MT | $300-$480/MT |
Brazil typically prices $20-$50/MT cheaper than Thailand at FOB.But that gap usually disappears (or reverses) once you add ocean freight to Asian/Middle East/East African destinations.
Ocean Transit & Total Landed Cost
Example: ICUMSA 45 to Jebel Ali (UAE)
Origin | FOB | Freight | CIF | Transit |
Brazil (Santos) | $280/MT | $90/MT | $370/MT | 25-35 days |
Thailand (Bangkok) | $340/MT | $110/MT | $450/MT | 29-45 days |
For destinations east of the Suez Canal,Thailand is typically cheaper landed and ships in half the time. For Atlantic-facing destinations (West Africa, Caribbean, Americas, Europe), Brazil wins.
Grade & Quality
Brazil:Strong in raw sugar (VHP) used by global refiners. ICUMSA 45 quality is good but less consistent batch-to-batch than Thai.Thailand:Strong in refined ICUMSA 45 (most exports are already refined to retail-ready grade). Tighter quality control under OCSB regulation. Brown sugar quality is generally superior.
Payment Terms & Documentation
Both origins accept L/C, T/T and D/P. Thailand's documentation tends to be more streamlined for Asian buyers — Halal certificates, Form D (for ASEAN), Form E (for China) are routine. Brazil has stronger USDA / FDA paperwork integration for the US market.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Brazilian sugar if:
Destination is in the Americas, Europe, or West Africa
You buy raw sugar (VHP) for your own refinery
You move 50,000+ MT per year and can negotiate freight directly
Brazilian Real is favorable
Choose Thai sugar if:
Destination is in Asia, Middle East or East/Southern Africa
You need ICUMSA 45 retail-ready out of the mill
You want shorter transit time (15-22 days vs 30-40)
You need Halal certification (mandatory in your market)
You buy 1-50 containers per shipment (not vessel quantities)
Many Buyers Source Both
Large sugar importers and food manufacturers often qualify both Brazilian and Thai mills as suppliers, then split orders based on:
Destination port (Atlantic vs Pacific)
Grade needed (raw vs refined)
Spot price differentials
Currency hedging
Get a Thai Sugar Quote
Kanthararom Sugar exports ICUMSA 45, raw sugar, brown sugar and organic sugar to 50+ countries from Bangkok / Laem Chabang. Request a quote for a price comparison against your current Brazilian source — for many buyers, Thai sugar is cheaper landed despite the higher FOB.
Ready to Compare Prices?
Request a free quote from Kanthararom Sugar — Thailand's direct mill exporter. MOQ 25 MT, FOB Bangkok pricing in 24 hours. Whether you are sourcing ICUMSA 45 refined white sugar, organic sugar for your certified organic product lines, or brown sugar grades for specialty food manufacturing, our export team will respond with current FOB and CIF pricing to your destination port within one business day. Contact us now or email — reply guaranteed in 24 hours.
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