HS Code:
Subheading 1701.13.50 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code pertains to 'Cane sugar, raw, in solid form, without added flavoring or coloring matter, subject to additional US note 5 to chapter 17.' This category specifically includes raw cane sugar that does not qualify for certain quota exemptions or special tariff treatments under other subheadings. It is a critical commodity in global trade, primarily used in food production, beverage industries, and as a sweetener in various consumer products.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 3.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
1.8 million metric tons
56.25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.5 million metric tons
15.63% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.3 million metric tons
9.38% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.2 million metric tons
6.25% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
0.1 million metric tons
3.13% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
Approximately 5.6% ad valorem
Highest Rate
Up to 33.9 cents per kilogram in the United States under certain quota restrictions
Lowest Rate
0% under preferential trade agreements (e.g., EU Everything But Arms initiative for LDCs)
Rising demand for organic and fair-trade certified raw cane sugar
Increased market access for producers in developing countries meeting certification standards, though at higher production costs.
2021-2022
Shift towards alternative sweeteners in developed markets
Potential reduction in demand for traditional cane sugar in regions like North America and Europe, pushing exporters to target emerging markets.
2020-2022
Climate change impacting sugarcane production
Erratic weather patterns in major producing countries like Brazil and India have led to supply fluctuations, affecting global prices.
2019-2022
The United States increased its tariff-rate quota for raw cane sugar imports under HS 1701.13.50 to address domestic shortages, benefiting exporters from countries like Brazil and Guatemala.
October 2022
Temporary relief for exporters, with an estimated additional 200,000 metric tons allowed under lower tariff rates.
Ongoing trade talks between the EU and India include discussions on reducing barriers for raw cane sugar exports, potentially lowering tariffs for Indian sugar under HS 1701.13.50.
March 2023
Could increase Indiaโs market share in Europe, challenging Brazilโs dominance.
Severe drought in Brazilโs sugarcane-growing regions led to a 10% reduction in raw cane sugar output, affecting global supply chains under this HS category.
July 2022
Price spikes in the short term, with importing countries seeking alternative suppliers like Thailand.