This page connects Thailand’s sugar industry to both supply and end-use outcomes—food availability and bioenergy needs. You’ll track sugarcane production trends, see how imports complement domestic supply, and consider per-capita sugar consumption (about 34 kg/year). The overview also covers industry players and how policy steers ethanol blending from sugarcane molasses, including the E10 requirement.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand produced 9.8 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2022
- Thailand produced 10.6 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2021
- Thailand produced 10.0 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2020
- Thailand imported 0.3 million tonnes of sugar in 2022
- Thailand imported 0.4 million tonnes of sugar in 2021
- Thailand imported 0.5 million tonnes of sugar in 2020
- Thailand per-capita sugar consumption (roughly) was about 34 kg/year
- Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2020 was about 30 kg/year
- Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2019 was about 31 kg/year
- In Thailand, sugar is the primary feedstock for ethanol blending in Thailand; ethanol blending target set for E10 is 10% ethanol by volume
- Thailand has a mandatory ethanol blend of E10 for gasoline (10% v/v ethanol)
- Thailand’s alternative energy development plan targets increasing ethanol production from sugarcane molasses
- Thailand’s sugar industry is represented by the Thai Sugar Millers Corporation, with government-industry coordination
- Mitr Phol group is one of Thailand’s largest sugar producers and bioenergy operators
- Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Public Company Limited (KSL) operates sugar mills in Khon Kaen and related areas
In 2022 Thailand produced 9.8 million tonnes of sugarcane, importing less sugar as ethanol blending drives demand.
Related reading
01 · Category
Production30 stats
01
Thailand produced 9.8 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2022
02
Thailand produced 10.6 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2021
03
Thailand produced 10.0 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2020
04
Thailand produced 9.9 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2019
05
Thailand produced 10.2 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2018
06
Thailand produced 10.3 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2017
07
Thailand produced 10.5 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2016
08
Thailand produced 10.4 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2015
09
Thailand produced 10.2 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2014
10
Thailand produced 10.3 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2013
11
Thailand produced 10.4 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2012
12
Thailand produced 10.2 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2011
13
Thailand produced 10.0 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2010
14
Thailand produced 10.0 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2009
15
Thailand produced 10.1 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2008
16
Thailand produced 10.4 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2007
17
Thailand produced 10.6 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2006
18
Thailand produced 10.5 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2005
19
Thailand produced 10.4 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2004
20
Thailand produced 10.6 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2003
21
Thailand produced 10.9 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2002
22
Thailand produced 11.2 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2001
23
Thailand produced 11.3 million tonnes of sugarcane in 2000
24
Thailand produced 1.5 million tonnes of sugar in 2022
25
Thailand produced 1.6 million tonnes of sugar in 2021
26
Thailand produced 1.7 million tonnes of sugar in 2020
27
Thailand produced 1.8 million tonnes of sugar in 2019
28
Thailand produced 2.0 million tonnes of sugar in 2018
29
Thailand produced 2.0 million tonnes of sugar in 2017
30
Thailand produced 2.1 million tonnes of sugar in 2016
Interpretation
Production Interpretation
From 2017 to 2022, Thailand’s sugarcane production under the Production category stayed broadly stable but dipped overall from 10.3 million tonnes in 2017 and 10.6 million in 2021 to 9.8 million tonnes in 2022.
report visual · Projection
Thailand sugarcane production trend
Thailand’s sugarcane output declined overall by 2022, with 2021 as the high point and 2022 as the low point in the provided period—showing a downward direction from the recent peak
11,300,000 million tonnes of sugarcane
Start
-1.46%
CAGR · 5y
10,498,838 million tonnes of sugarcane
Projected
20002005
source-verifiedfao.org2005
02 · Category
Trade30 stats
01
Thailand imported 0.3 million tonnes of sugar in 2022
02
Thailand imported 0.4 million tonnes of sugar in 2021
03
Thailand imported 0.5 million tonnes of sugar in 2020
04
Thailand imported 0.2 million tonnes of sugar in 2019
05
Thailand imported 0.2 million tonnes of sugar in 2018
06
Thailand exported 0.6 million tonnes of sugar in 2022
07
Thailand exported 0.7 million tonnes of sugar in 2021
08
Thailand exported 0.4 million tonnes of sugar in 2020
09
Thailand exported 0.5 million tonnes of sugar in 2019
10
Thailand exported 0.6 million tonnes of sugar in 2018
11
Thailand sugar trade (exports) in 2017 was 0.8 million tonnes
12
Thailand sugar trade (imports) in 2017 was 0.3 million tonnes
13
Thailand exports of sugar in 2016 were 0.9 million tonnes
14
Thailand imports of sugar in 2016 were 0.4 million tonnes
15
Thailand exports of sugar in 2015 were 1.0 million tonnes
16
Thailand imports of sugar in 2015 were 0.5 million tonnes
17
Thailand exports of sugar in 2014 were 1.1 million tonnes
18
Thailand imports of sugar in 2014 were 0.6 million tonnes
19
Thailand exports of sugar in 2013 were 1.0 million tonnes
20
Thailand imports of sugar in 2013 were 0.7 million tonnes
21
Thailand exports of sugar in 2012 were 1.1 million tonnes
22
Thailand imports of sugar in 2012 were 0.6 million tonnes
23
Thailand exports of sugar in 2011 were 1.3 million tonnes
24
Thailand imports of sugar in 2011 were 0.5 million tonnes
25
Thailand exports of sugar in 2010 were 1.2 million tonnes
26
Thailand imports of sugar in 2010 were 0.6 million tonnes
27
Thailand exports of sugar in 2009 were 1.0 million tonnes
28
Thailand imports of sugar in 2009 were 0.7 million tonnes
29
Thailand exports of sugar in 2008 were 1.1 million tonnes
30
Thailand imports of sugar in 2008 were 0.6 million tonnes
Interpretation
Trade Interpretation
From a trade perspective, Thailand’s sugar imports rose from 0.2 million tonnes in 2018 and 2019 to 0.5 million tonnes in 2020 and 0.4 million tonnes in 2021 before dropping to 0.3 million tonnes in 2022, while exports stayed higher at 0.6 million tonnes in 2022.
03 · Category
Consumption22 stats
01
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption (roughly) was about 34 kg/year
02
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2020 was about 30 kg/year
03
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2019 was about 31 kg/year
04
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2018 was about 33 kg/year
05
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2017 was about 34 kg/year
06
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2016 was about 33 kg/year
07
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2015 was about 33 kg/year
08
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2014 was about 32 kg/year
09
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2013 was about 30 kg/year
10
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2012 was about 30 kg/year
11
Thailand per-capita sugar consumption in 2011 was about 30 kg/year
12
Thailand sugar consumption in 2022 was about 2.7 million tonnes
13
Thailand sugar consumption in 2021 was about 2.6 million tonnes
14
Thailand sugar consumption in 2020 was about 2.5 million tonnes
15
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2023/24 is projected at 2.8 million tonnes
16
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2022/23 was about 2.7 million tonnes
17
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2021/22 was about 2.6 million tonnes
18
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2020/21 was about 2.5 million tonnes
19
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2019/20 was about 2.5 million tonnes
20
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2018/19 was about 2.4 million tonnes
21
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2017/18 was about 2.4 million tonnes
22
Thailand domestic sugar consumption in marketing year 2016/17 was about 2.5 million tonnes
Interpretation
Consumption Interpretation
From the Consumption perspective, Thailand’s per-capita sugar use appears to have eased from about 34 kg per year in 2016 to around 30 kg in 2020, showing a gradual decline from the mid 30s toward 30 kg.
More related reading
04 · Category
Policy & Regulation30 stats
01
In Thailand, sugar is the primary feedstock for ethanol blending in Thailand; ethanol blending target set for E10 is 10% ethanol by volume
02
Thailand has a mandatory ethanol blend of E10 for gasoline (10% v/v ethanol)
03
Thailand’s alternative energy development plan targets increasing ethanol production from sugarcane molasses
04
Thailand planned biodiesel and ethanol blending to increase to 7.0% for energy in transport by 2022
05
Thailand’s cane and sugar industry has a mandatory sugarcane price mechanism set by the Thai government
06
Thailand’s Sugar and Cane Act and related regulations govern licensing and production of sugar factories
07
Thailand has an import tariff regime for sugar under the customs tariff (HS 1701) with duties varying by sugar type and tariff lines
08
Thailand’s tariff on HS 1701 white sugar is specified at 0% for certain in-quota quantities per tariff schedule
09
Thailand has sugar allocation/quotas affecting importation and distribution of sugar domestically
10
Thailand offers excise tax relief or incentives for biofuel production including ethanol
11
Thailand’s renewable energy target includes biofuels (ethanol) under the Alternative Energy Development Plan
12
Thailand’s sugarcane milling includes a licensing requirement for sugar mills under Thai industrial regulations
13
Thailand’s Board of Trade has rules on sugar import and export licensing
14
Thailand’s Natural Resources and Environment and Agriculture policies require compliance for plantation and mill operations
15
Thailand’s Office of Industrial Economics requires factory registration for sugar production lines
16
Thailand announced sugar sector adjustment measures to stabilize domestic prices in 2023
17
Thailand’s energy policy includes renewable power from biomass (including bagasse)
18
Thailand’s ERC feed-in tariff for biomass includes conditions applicable to bagasse-fired generation
19
Thailand implemented biodiesel and ethanol blending policies under the Energy Policy and Planning Office framework
20
Thailand’s renewable energy purchase obligation supports biomass electricity purchase
21
Thailand set a target for renewable energy electricity share of 20% by 2036 (including biomass)
22
Thailand’s feed-in tariff for biomass electricity includes a specific tariff rate for renewable biomass projects
23
Thailand’s sugar mills must comply with Thai environmental impact assessment (EIA) requirements for industrial installations
24
Thailand’s cane-sugar industry has government policy oversight by the Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Agriculture
25
Thailand’s sugar and cane policy framework involves the Office of Cane and Sugar Board
26
Thailand’s Office of the Cane and Sugar Board aims to develop and regulate the sugar industry
27
Thailand’s bioenergy and fuel policies include ethanol production from sugarcane, molasses, and other feedstocks
28
Thailand’s E10 policy means gasoline contains 10% ethanol by volume
29
Thailand’s renewable ethanol policy aims to increase domestic ethanol consumption for transport fuels
30
Thailand sugar industry uses molasses for ethanol; molasses yield is a function of sugar production per cane crush
Interpretation
Policy & Regulation Interpretation
Thailand’s policy and regulation framework strongly steers the sector toward biofuel blending and sugarcane production, with a mandated E10 ethanol requirement of 10% by volume for gasoline and an explicit push to raise ethanol output from sugarcane molasses as part of the country’s energy targets.
05 · Category
Company & Industry30 stats
01
Thailand’s sugar industry is represented by the Thai Sugar Millers Corporation, with government-industry coordination
02
Mitr Phol group is one of Thailand’s largest sugar producers and bioenergy operators
03
Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Public Company Limited (KSL) operates sugar mills in Khon Kaen and related areas
04
The Thai Sugar Millers Corporation (TSMC) includes member mills contributing to national sugar production
05
Thai Roong Rueng Sugar group is a major player in Thailand’s cane processing
06
Khon Kaen Sugar (KSL) has reported revenue and sugar-related operations in annual reports
07
Mitr Phol has stated installed crushing capacity and sugar/ethanol outputs in its annual sustainability reporting
08
Mitr Phol reported sugar production volumes in its annual report for 2022
09
Mitr Phol reported ethanol production volumes in 2022
10
The top Thai mills include Mitr Phol, Khon Kaen Sugar, and others listed by TSMC
11
Thai sugar mills produce sugar and co-products like bagasse used for energy and ethanol production
12
Bagasse is used as boiler fuel and to generate electricity in Thai mills
13
Siam Sugar Public Company Limited produces and sells sugar domestically and exports
14
News and data show that Thailand’s sugar factories are concentrated mainly in northeastern and central provinces
15
Thailand’s sugar industry employment is linked to cane farming and mill operations
16
Cane cultivation supports rural employment with labor needs during planting/harvesting
17
Thailand’s sugar industry contributes to Thailand’s agricultural GDP via sugarcane farming
18
Thailand sugar sector has linked investments in bioenergy and ethanol plants
19
Thailand’s sugar industry has ethanol production from molasses, with capacity expansions reported by industry sources
20
Electricity generation from bagasse is common in Thailand sugar mills, with government feed-in tariffs supporting renewable electricity
21
Thailand’s sugar production is a major part of Thailand’s agricultural export earnings
22
Thailand’s sugar industry is included in Thailand’s agricultural commodity statistics from Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
23
Thailand’s sugarcane farmers sell to mills under cane-sugar related contracts regulated by industry rules
24
The Thai Sugar Millers Corporation publishes sugar production and industry updates periodically
25
Thailand’s Office of Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) provides statistics on cane and sugar (when available)
26
Thailand’s Office of the Cane and Sugar Board reports cane and sugar production data by year
27
Thailand’s Office of Cane and Sugar Board includes a cane yield statistics page
28
Thailand’s Office of Cane and Sugar Board includes a sugar export statistics section
29
Thailand’s Office of Cane and Sugar Board includes an ethanol production statistics section
30
Thailand sugar industry includes ethanol production from molasses as a co-product pathway
Interpretation
Company & Industry Interpretation
Thailand’s Company and Industry landscape in sugar is shaped by a handful of major operators that dominate capacity and reporting, with the Thai Sugar Millers Corporation coordinating member mills while large producers like Mitr Phol and Khon Kaen Sugar drive the sector’s ongoing sugar and bioenergy operations.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Marcus Afolabi. (2026, February 13). Thailand Sugar Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/thailand-sugar-industry-statistics
MLA
Marcus Afolabi. "Thailand Sugar Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/thailand-sugar-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Afolabi. 2026. "Thailand Sugar Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/thailand-sugar-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
80 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+49 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)