Summary
This report focuses on key developments in the global and domestic sweetener industry in early March 2026, covering international sugar trade policies, supply chain resilience amid geopolitical conflicts, domestic starch sugar capacity expansion, overseas sugar refinery engineering contracts, landmark sugarcane breeding breakthroughs and listed sugar enterprise performance forecasts. It provides timely and professional references for industry practitioners.
1. International Sugar Market: Tariff Exemptions Stabilize Supply, Geopolitical Tensions Test Supply Chains
EAEU Grants Tariff Waivers for Raw Cane Sugar
On March 3, 2026, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) approved a tariff exemption for raw cane sugar imported by Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan for industrial processing, valid until the end of 2026. Kazakhstan is allocated a 100,000-ton duty-free quota, while Armenia and Kyrgyzstan each get a 20,000-ton quota.
To maintain internal trade balance, white sugar produced from duty-free raw sugar is strictly restricted to domestic sale in the importing countries, and prohibited from export to other EAEU member states. The policy aims to stabilize sugar supply and prices, and support local sugar processing enterprises.
Strait of Hormuz Disruption Tests Gulf Sugar Supply
On March 6, amid escalating conflicts that paralyzed commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Khaleej Sugar — the world's largest port-based sugar refinery in Dubai — maintained normal operation and uninterrupted import and export business. The refinery, which handles 4% of global raw sugar imports and 4% of refined sugar exports annually, activated emergency plans and prepared alternative ports (Fujairah, Khorfakkan and Sohar) to secure logistics if the strait remains blocked. The refinery's current raw sugar stock can support nearly two years of production. Market concerns persist that soaring crude prices may push Brazil to divert more sugarcane to ethanol production, tightening global sugar supply.
2. Domestic Layout: Starch Sugar Projects Launch, Engineering Services Go Global
Two Starch Sugar Projects Accepted for EIA in Heilongjiang
On March 12, two major starch sugar projects in Fujin Chemical Industrial Park passed environmental impact assessment acceptance. Heilongjiang Xianggu Biotechnology's 160,000 t/a crystalline trehalose expansion project (Phase II), with a total investment of RMB 150 million, is scheduled for construction from April to May 2026.
Meanwhile, Heilongjiang Tangdu Biotechnology's new project will build production lines for maltose, oligosaccharide maltose and blended starch sugar, with a total investment of RMB 300 million, forming a combined annual capacity of 240,000 tons of starch sugar products.
China Haicheng Guangzhou Wins Overseas Sugar Refinery Contracts
Recently, China Haicheng Guangzhou Branch secured two key overseas sugar projects: a large-scale modern sugar refinery in Saudi Arabia, providing full-process engineering management services; and a technical upgrading project for a local sugar refinery, introducing advanced and eco-friendly production technologies to optimize clean production and industrial efficiency.
3. Technological Breakthrough: Landmark Sugarcane Breeding Achievement
On March 6, Guangxi University announced a world-leading breakthrough in sugarcane biological breeding. A research team led by Professor Zhang Jisen completed a multi-scale graph pan-genome analysis framework for polyploid sugarcane, solving long-standing technical bottlenecks in sugarcane genetic analysis.
The research was published in Science on February 6, providing a new technical paradigm for molecular breeding of sugarcane. The university also launched the "Xizhi Zhe" intelligent sugarcane breeding model, promoting the shift from traditional breeding to precision data-driven breeding.
4. Corporate Performance: Sugar Enterprises Under Pressure, Posts Expected Loss
On January 31, Guangxi Nongtou Sugar Industry (000911) released its 2025 annual performance forecast, expecting a net loss of RMB 138 million to 188 million. The loss was attributed to reduced sugarcane output, falling sugar prices, drought-induced low sugar content, delayed crushing season, and provision for asset and credit impairment losses.
Conclusion & Outlook
In March 2026, the sweetener industry is shaped by geopolitical risks, policy adjustments and technological innovations. Tariff policies and emergency supply chain measures stabilize regional sugar markets, while global sugar prices face volatility from energy and raw material shifts. Domestic starch sugar capacity expands steadily, and China's sugar engineering services gain global recognition.
The revolutionary sugarcane breeding technology will drive long-term improvements in sugarcane yield and quality. In the short term, sugar enterprises face cost and price pressures; in the long run, the industry will move toward high-efficiency, green and sustainable development, with functional and healthy sweeteners becoming a growth highlight.
Source from CCM-Cnchemicals
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CCM is the leading market intelligence provider for China's agriculture, chemicals, food & feed and life science industries. Founded in 2001, CCM provides price monitoring, trade analysis and customized market research.CCM also offers advertising and promotional services for food ingredient and sweetener suppliers, helping companies enhance visibility and connect with targeted global buyers.
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