India Plans Sugar Exports From October Amid Surplus, Ethanol Push

India, the world's second-largest sugar producer, is poised to resume sugar exports starting October 2025 due to sufficient surplus stocks despite a recent decline in production. Senior government official Ashwini Srivastava highlighted that after meeting domestic consumption and ethanol blending requirements—which are expected to reach a record 4.8 billion liters—there will still be room for exports in the new marketing year. Production for 2025/26 is estimated at around 34.9 to 35 million metric tons, with consumption expected to rise slightly to 28.5-29 million metric tons. Carryover stock at the start of the season is projected to be about 5 million metric tons, down from 8 million metric tons previously. The government aims to balance sufficient closing stocks, promote ethanol production, and allow exports to help support domestic sugar prices and ensure farmers receive minimum support prices. Industry leaders have suggested allowing exports of around 2 million metric tons, with sugar mills diverting up to 5 million metric tons for ethanol production.