The international sugar season runs from September to August
More than 100 countries produce sugar, 74% of which is made from sugar cane grown primarily in the tropical and sub-tropical zones of the southern hemisphere, and the balance from sugar beet which is grown mainly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. Prior to 1990, about 40% of sugar was made from beet but this has decreased to current levels as cane sugar producers have made considerable gains in expanding their sugar markets due to the lower costs of cane sugar production. Currently, 70% of the world's sugar is consumed in the country of origin whilst the balance is traded on world markets. Because of the residual nature of the world market, the free market price is one of the most volatile of all commodity prices.

The five largest exporters in 2004/05, Brazil, the EU, Australia, Thailand and Guatemala, are expected to supply approximately 79% of all world free market exports. South Africa is the ninth largest exporter.

During the past 10 years, global sugar consumption has increased by an average of approximately 2.4% per annum, higher than the long-term annual average of about 2%. Consumption is expected to reach 147 million tons in 2004/05 season.
Global sugar production in 2004/05 is estimated at 144 million tons, 75% of which is produced by the world’s top ten sugar producers. With the enlargement of the EU to 25 countries, 21 of which produce sugar, total production in this region compared to last year has increased by about 5 million tons to approximately 21 million tons.