Rabobank: abolition of EU sugar production quota by October 2017 does not necessarily guarantee a low sugar price in the bloc

In anticipation of 1 October 2017, after falling more than 40% since 2013, the EU sugar price has dropped to levels on a par with the world price and, recently, even lower. The chief reason behind the declining price is increased competition between sugar producers. In the post-quota age, such competition will be the new norm.

“The general assumption that abolishing the EU sugar quota as of October 2017 will only have positive effects for sugar buyers is too good to be true.” says Ruud Schers, Analyst at Rabobank. “Sugar buyers should brace themselves for the possibility that high world prices for sugar may trigger regional supply tightness in the bloc, which could push their sugar prices up considerably. The good news is that sugar buyers do not have to wait until October 2017 to start taking preventative measures against this risk.”

Other key highlights of the Rabobank Sugar Industry Note include:

• The influence of the world sugar market on the EU market is set to increase considerably.
• Between 2010 and 2015 sugar has been in oversupply in the world market. However, since last season (2015/16), the balance has shifted with demand outpacing supply.
• While there is a dream scenario in which the larger supply of EU sugar after 1 October 2017 will lead to a low EU sugar price. EU buyers should beware of higher prices due to tighter supplies in the bloc.

For more information:
Please contact the report’s authors:
Ruud Schers: ruud.schers@Rabobank.com, Tel: +31 30 712 1482
Sebastiaan Schreijen: sebastiaan.schreijen@rabobank.com. Tel: +31 30 712 3831