There are many countries around the world that import sugar to varying degrees depending on factors such as domestic production, population size, and consumption patterns.

In 2023, the top sugar importing countries were likely to include:

1. China - China's population exceeds 1.4 billion people, making it the most populous country globally. With a rising middle class and changing dietary habits, there's a growing demand for processed foods, beverages, and confectionery products, all of which require sugar as a key ingredient.

China's imports sugar also influenced by global market dynamics, including fluctuations in international sugar prices, changes in production levels in major exporting countries such as Brazil, Thailand, and India, and shifts in currency exchange rates.

2. United States - The United States imports sugar reached approximately 3.13 million metric tons. The primary sources of imported sugar for the U.S. include countries like Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, and various other nations that produce sugar cane and sugar beet. Brazil is one of the largest suppliers of sugar to the U.S., providing both raw and refined sugar. Mexico is another significant supplier, particularly under the terms of trade agreements such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) or its successor, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

3. Indonesia - The value of Indonesia's imports sugar in 2023 was estimated to be around 2.9 billion USD, a marginal decline of almost 117 million USD from the year before. Indonesia participates in various trade agreements that affect its sugar imports. Trade agreements with countries like Australia, Thailand, and India can impact the volume, price, and regulations surrounding sugar imports.

4. South Korea - South Korea imported sugar worth $3.22 billion in 2023. South Korea's sugar imports mainly come from countries such as Brazil, Thailand, Australia, and the United States, among others. Trade agreements and bilateral relations play a significant role in determining the sources and quantities of sugar imports.

5. France - France Imports sugar have been valued at $2.71 billion in 2023. The main sources of sugar imports for France include countries like Brazil, Thailand, and other major sugar-producing nations. These imports come in various forms, including raw sugar and refined sugar, catering to different industrial and consumer needs.

6. Japan - Japan Imports of Sugars and sugar confectionery was US$1.18 Billion during 2023. Japan has entered into various trade agreements that affect its sugar imports. For instance, agreements with countries like Australia, Mexico, and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) have influenced Japan's sugar import dynamics.

7. Nigeria - Nigeria's imports raw sugar in MY 2023/24 at 1.8 MMT. Nigeria is one of the largest consumers of sugar in Africa, but its domestic sugar production has not kept pace with demand, leading to significant sugar imports.

8. Germany - Germany imports sugar have been worth $4.85 billion in 2023. Germany imports sugar from various countries around the world, including Brazil, Thailand, France, and other European countries. The country's sugar imports are influenced by factors such as domestic consumption patterns, agricultural policies, trade agreements, and global market prices.

9. United Kingdom - United Kingdom imported $390M in Raw Sugar, becoming the 23rd largest importer of Raw Sugar in the world. The demand for sugar in the UK is primarily driven by various industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, confectionery, and retail. The UK imports both raw and refined sugar to meet its domestic consumption needs.

10. Malaysia - Malaysia imported overall sugar worth $2.6 billion in 2023. Malaysia has often sourced sugar from countries like Thailand, India, Brazil, and Australia.