Raw sugar is the partially refined sucrose product obtained from sugar cane or sugar beet, retaining a brown color and molasses coating. It is an intermediate product used for further refining or direct use in certain foods.

How does raw sugar differ from white refined sugar?

Raw sugar contains more impurities and molasses, giving it a brown color and a caramel-like flavor, while refined sugar is purer and white. The choice affects taste, color, and processing requirements.

What are the key quality parameters to check when buying raw sugar?

Key parameters include pol (sucrose content), moisture, ash content, and grain size. These affect refining yield, storage stability, and suitability for specific applications.

How should raw sugar be stored to maintain quality?

Store in a dry, well-ventilated area with low humidity, away from strong odors and direct sunlight. Use moisture-proof packaging and avoid temperature fluctuations to prevent caking and microbial growth.

Can raw sugar be used directly in food products without refining?

Yes, raw sugar can be used directly in some applications like beverages, bakery, and confectionery where its flavor and color are desired. However, it may require additional processing to ensure purity and consistency.

Raw Sugar

Raw cane sugar is the unrefined solid form of sucrose produced from harvested sugarcane, exported as a primary agricultural commodity and traded in metric tonnes.

Prices, specifications and international trade for raw sugar under HS 170114.

Raw Sugar Price

$338USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Raw sugar is quoted in USD/t at BRA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Raw Sugar Historical Unit Values

Raw Sugar Suppliers

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Raw Sugar Exports and Imports

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Brazil led reported raw sugar exports in 2025, at $12.1B.

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Raw Sugar Specifications and Quality

Raw sugar grading factors include Polarisation, Colour (ICUMSA), and Conductivity ash.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for raw sugar considers Polarisation, Colour (ICUMSA), and Conductivity ash.

Polarisation
Measures the degree of sucrose crystallinity; buyers use it to assess purity.
Colour (ICUMSA)
Indicates visual whiteness; lower values mean higher purity.
Conductivity ash
Reflects mineral content; limits ensure low impurity levels.
Invert sugar content
Shows amount of partially hydrolyzed sucrose; limits affect sweetness and processing behavior.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for raw sugar include Heavy metals, Pesticide residues, and Microbial contamination.

Heavy metals
Presence of metals such as arsenic or lead above safety limits; arises from contaminated soil or processing equipment.
Pesticide residues
Residues exceeding Codex limits; result from improper pesticide application on sugarcane.
Microbial contamination
Excessive total plate count, yeast, moulds or presence of Salmonella; can occur from poor hygiene during handling.
Foreign matter
Dirt, soil, gravel or plant debris in the crystals; introduced during harvest or transport.
Off‑odours
Fermented or musty smells indicating spoilage; caused by improper storage moisture.

Certifications

Certifications documented for raw sugar include Bonsucro. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.

Bonsucro
Voluntary sustainability certification covering environmental and social standards for sugarcane production.

Raw Sugar Facts and HS Code

Raw sugar belongs to sugar and sweeteners within softs and tropicals. Its customs classification covers HS 170114.

Raw Sugar HS Code

Also known as	Brazil VHP
Product type	Raw
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Sugar and sweeteners — Softs and tropicals
HS codes	170114
HS6 description	Sugars; cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in Subheading Note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	BRA

Production & Handling

Raw sugar storage guidance: Stored in food‑grade containers, kept dry and protected from contamination, and moved quickly to the mill, typically within three days of harvest.

Production and Storage

Perishability	Low
Temperature regime	Ambient
Storage conditions	Stored in food‑grade containers, kept dry and protected from contamination, and moved quickly to the mill, typically within three days of harvest.
Production methods	Farmed
Processing steps	Planting sugarcane Cultivation and growth Harvest of mature cane Rapid transport to mill (≤3 days) Crushing and juice extraction Evaporation and crystallisation to produce raw cane sugar

Packaging

Typical raw sugar packaging includes Bulk railcars or trucks, Oversized bulk bags (e.g., one-tonne sacks), and Multi-ply paper bags with polyethylene liner.

Bulk railcars or trucks
Used for large-scale shipments to refineries or industrial users, allowing efficient unloading and storage in silos. Suitable when the sugar will be further processed or used quickly.
Oversized bulk bags (e.g., one-tonne sacks)
Provide a balance between bulk handling and lot traceability. Common for mid-sized buyers who need flexible handling without dedicated silo infrastructure.
Multi-ply paper bags with polyethylene liner
Offer protection against moisture and contamination for smaller lots or retail-ready packaging. The liner helps maintain dryness and prevents caking during transport and storage.

Uses & Risks

Raw sugar is used in Refining, Confectionery, and Beverage formulation.

End Uses

Refining
Further purification to produce white refined sugar for consumer use.
Confectionery
Ingredient in candy, chocolate and bakery products.
Beverage formulation
Used in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as a sweetener.
Bioethanol production
Fermented to produce ethanol for fuel.
Cogeneration
Burned to generate electricity and steam at sugar mills.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Food & beverage, Sugar refining, Biofuel, Energy generation

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Drought ClimateHigh Drought reduces sugarcane yields and can halve export volumes.	Climate	High	Selecting drought‑tolerant varieties and managing irrigation where feasible.
Heavy metals Food safetyHigh Raw cane sugar may contain arsenic or lead above safety limits if grown on contaminated soils.	Food safety	High	Testing of raw sugar batches and sourcing from farms with certified soil quality.
Pesticide residues Food safetyMedium Excess pesticide residues can remain on sugarcane and transfer to raw sugar.	Food safety	Medium	Adherence to approved pesticide application rates and residue testing before harvest.

Raw Sugar Questions

What is raw sugar?: Raw sugar is the partially refined sucrose product obtained from sugar cane or sugar beet, retaining a brown color and molasses coating. It is an intermediate product used for further refining or direct use in certain foods.
How does raw sugar differ from white refined sugar?: Raw sugar contains more impurities and molasses, giving it a brown color and a caramel-like flavor, while refined sugar is purer and white. The choice affects taste, color, and processing requirements.
What are the key quality parameters to check when buying raw sugar?: Key parameters include pol (sucrose content), moisture, ash content, and grain size. These affect refining yield, storage stability, and suitability for specific applications.
How should raw sugar be stored to maintain quality?: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area with low humidity, away from strong odors and direct sunlight. Use moisture-proof packaging and avoid temperature fluctuations to prevent caking and microbial growth.
Can raw sugar be used directly in food products without refining?: Yes, raw sugar can be used directly in some applications like beverages, bakery, and confectionery where its flavor and color are desired. However, it may require additional processing to ensure purity and consistency.