Indonesia's Sugar Production Down 4.52% in 2020

Based on data from the Indonesian Sugar Association (AGI) and the Indonesian Sugar Expert Association (IKAGI), published by the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), white granulated sugar (GKP) or refined sugar production decreased by 4.52% in 2020. Production fell from 2.2 million tons in 2019 to only 2.13 million tons in 2020.

Since 2017, refined sugar production in Indonesia has experienced fluctuating trends. In 2017, refined sugar production was recorded at 2.12 million tons. This amount decreased by 44.8% to 1.17 million tons in 2018. A year later, in 2019, refined sugar production increased by 89% to 2.22 million tons. Then, refined sugar production decreased again in 2020.

The decrease in refined sugar production in 2020 was insufficient to meet domestic sugar consumption needs. National direct sugar consumption for 2020 was recorded at 2.66 million tons.

This means that Indonesia's refined sugar balance experienced a deficit of approximately 500,000 tons. High refined sugar consumption not accompanied by increased production necessitates Indonesia's import of sugar from various countries.

Indonesia's largest sugar imports were recorded as follows: 2.03 million tons from Thailand, 1.55 million tons from Brazil, and 1.21 million tons from Australia.