Raw Sugar: Technical Data Sheet & Sourcing
Access international specifications for raw sugar (VHP, VVHP, Sugar No. 11) and facilitate matchmaking between sugar mills, refiners, and international traders for your Spot transactions or long-term supply contracts.
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Contract Types
Spot Orders, Forward & Framework Contracts
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Standard Quality
Polarization 99.0° - 99.5° Z (VHP) / ICUMSA 600 - 1200
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Main Hubs
Brazil, India, Thailand, Australia, Mexico
What is Raw Sugar?
The Raw Sugar (Raw Sugar) is the intermediate product from the initial extraction and crystallization of sugar cane juice. Covered with a thin layer of molasses, it is mainly intended for bulk sea transport to industrial refineries to be processed into refined white sugar.
On the global market, the flagship qualities are VHP (Very High Polarization) and VVHP (Very Very High Polarization) sugar, highly sought after by refineries for their high purity requiring less chemical decolorization treatment.
Standard Specifications (VHP Raw Sugar)
Origins & Export Hubs
International trading of raw sugar revolves around major sugarcane growing regions and their bulk/LNG ports and terminals:
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Brazil (Center-South Region): World's leading producer and exporter, setting benchmark prices for the New York Sugar No. 11 contract (ICE Futures US).
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India: Major player in the Asian basin whose exportable volume varies based on monsoon conditions and government quotas.
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Thailand: World's second-largest exporter of raw sugar, ideally located to supply refineries in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Australia & Central America (Mexico, Guatemala): Key suppliers recognized for the consistency and very high polarization of their raw sugar.
Bulk Shipping, RSA Standards & Standard Contracts
Transporting raw sugar involves humidity constraints and compliance with standards from international sugar associations:
RSA / SAL Master Contracts
Transactions governed by the rules of the Refined Sugar Association (RSA) or the Sugar Association of London (SAL).
Bulk Maritime Transport
Dry bulk shipping (Bulk Carrier) via Handy, Supramax, or Ultramax vessels loaded directly into dry holds.
Inspection & Price Adjustment
Analyses at discharge port by accredited laboratories (SGS, Bureau Veritas). Price adjustment based on official polarization scale. Negotiated under FOB or CIF.