Sugar · importers
Saudi Arabia ranks thirteenth of 96 at $1.5B in the sugars and sugar confectionery chapter, and it is a market with no sugar crop of its own.
| Market | HS 17 imports |
|---|---|
| United States | $7.2B |
| China | $4.2B |
| Indonesia | $3.6B |
| Germany | $2.6B |
| United Kingdom | $2.2B |
Figures are for the whole of HS chapter 17 (sugars and sugar confectionery); sugar is only part of it. Source: UN Comtrade, as reported by national authorities; latest available year per market.
The Netherlands is above at $1.6B and France below at $1.5B, the same rounded value. Saudi Arabia’s 2.4% share of reported world imports is close to both. The chapter is 0.7% of its $232.8B imports and ranks 33rd among import chapters, higher than in larger economies.
The country’s climate does not favour sugar cane or beet, so demand is met by imports. Refiners import raw sugar in bulk, refine it and supply local industry and regional customers, and food and beverage makers plus confectionery producers buy additional products. Demand also rises around periods of celebration and hospitality, when sweets and drinks are consumed more.
Ask whether the importer refines for the domestic market or for re-export to neighbouring countries. Since regional customers may impose their own labelling or certificate requirements, find out early which destinations the goods will reach and whether the buyer expects you to provide documents for them. Ask also how the buyer manages storage of raw sugar before refining, since humidity and long storage can affect quality and may shape the specification it demands.
China, the USA, the United Arab Emirates and India lead the overall source list, and the UAE’s presence points to Gulf trading hubs. Import and conformity requirements are set by the authorities and can change, so confirm the present conditions with them and with the buyer.
The $1.5B covers all of chapter 17, and re-exports can move a ranking.
Look at shipment data for the sugar heading to see who imports and how much. After you shortlist names, settle Incoterm, currency, payment terms and port and use this site’s free marketplace to contact them.
Thirteenth of 96 markets at $1.5B in 2024, a 2.4% share of reported world imports.
Its climate does not suit sugar crops, so refiners and manufacturers rely on imports.
No. Saudi figures include confectionery goods as well as sugar.
Read sugar-heading shipment records and compare consignees by weight.
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