According to ISO, the world sugar output is forecasted to reach 145.0 MMT and consumption to reach 147.0 MMT in 2004-2005, resulting in a deficit of around 2 MMT in 2004-2005. Further, since October 2003, nearly 5 MMT of surplus sugar are expected to have been removed from the world sugar balance, reducing the stock/ consumption ratio to less than 42%.

The world consumption is projected to grow to 160.7 MMT in 2010, and 176.1 MMT by 2015. According to ISO, the world sugar output is forecasted to reach 145.0 MMT and consumption to reach 147.0 MMT in 2004-2005, resulting in a deficit of around 2 MMT in 2004-2005. Further, since October 2003, nearly 5 MMT of surplus sugar are expected to have been removed from the world sugar balance, reducing the stock/ consumption ratio to less than 42%.

The world's largest consumers of sugar are India, China, Brazil, USA, Russia, Mexico, Pakistan, Indonesia, Germany and Egypt. According to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, the consumption of sugar in Asian countries has increased at a faster rate, as a direct result of increasing population, increasing per capita income and increased availability.

DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION FOR 2003-2004
(All units in MMT)