How to Export Sugar from Brazil to the Middle East — Complete Guide 2026
Why the Middle East is Brazil's Most Important Sugar Market
Brazil accounts for 40–45% of all international sugar trade — approximately 20–25 million MT annually. The Middle East and North Africa represent the second-largest import region globally, after Asia. Several structural factors make this corridor exceptional:
No domestic production
Most MENA countries have minimal domestic sugar production. The entire supply must be imported, creating structural, recurring demand not subject to harvest cycles or policy shifts.
Growing population and urbanisation
The MENA region's food and beverage sector is expanding rapidly, driven by population growth, urbanisation, and a rising middle class. Sugar consumption per capita in key markets is growing steadily.
Re-export hub dynamics
The UAE — particularly Jebel Ali Free Zone — functions as a major sugar re-export hub. Sugar imported from Brazil enters JAFZA and is redistributed to East Africa, South Asia and other MENA markets, creating compounded demand.
"Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of Brazilian sugar, with a value of $892.65 million. Algeria accounts for $1.05 billion (5.6% of Brazil's total sugar exports), and Egypt represents $922.97 million (4.9%)." — TradeImeX, 2025
Top Middle East Markets for Brazilian Sugar — 2026
🇦🇪 UAE — 3–4 million MT/year
The UAE is Brazil's gateway to the entire MENA region. Jebel Ali (JAFZA) is the primary entry point for sugar destined for re-export to East Africa, Pakistan, India and other Gulf states. Al Khaleej Sugar operates one of the world's largest sugar refineries in Dubai, importing raw sugar for refining. Transit time from Santos: ~20–25 days.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — Major importer
Saudi Arabia imports substantial volumes of Brazilian ICUMSA 45 for its food processing, beverage and retail sectors. The Saudi government maintains strategic sugar reserves, creating consistent bulk procurement. Key buyers include large Saudi food conglomerates and government procurement agencies. Transit time from Santos: ~22–28 days.
🇪🇬 Egypt — $922 million in Brazilian sugar
Egypt is one of Brazil's top sugar export destinations by value. The country has a large refining sector that imports raw cane sugar for processing. Key buyers include Sharkeya Sugar, Al Nouran Sugar, Juhayna and Edita Food Industries.
🇩🇿 Algeria — $1.05 billion in Brazilian sugar
Algeria is one of Brazil's largest sugar export markets by value. TAFADIS — inaugurated in 2025 with 2,000 MT/day refining capacity — imports raw cane sugar from Brazil. Algeria's strategic location also allows re-distribution to Sub-Saharan Africa.
🇲🇦 Morocco — $924 million in Brazilian sugar
Morocco represents nearly 5% of Brazil's total sugar exports. The country has a sophisticated food processing industry and imports both refined ICUMSA 45 and raw sugar. Cosumar (Moroccan Sugar Company) is the dominant buyer.
Sugar Specifications — What Middle East Buyers Require
| Parameter | ICUMSA 45 (Refined) | Raw Sugar (VHP) |
|---|---|---|
| ICUMSA Value | Maximum 45 IU | 600–1,200 IU |
| Polarisation | 99.80° minimum | 99.30° minimum |
| Moisture | 0.04% maximum | 0.10% maximum |
| Ash content | 0.04% maximum | 0.15% maximum |
| Primary use | Retail, food & beverage | Refining, industrial processing |
| Packaging | 50kg PP bags or bulk | Bulk (vessel) |
| Main buyers | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco retail | Egypt, Algeria, UAE refineries |
Brazilian Sugar Export Ports — MENA Routes
| Port | State | Transit to Jebel Ali (UAE) | Transit to Alexandria (Egypt) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santos | São Paulo | ~22 days | ~16 days |
| Paranaguá | Paraná | ~20 days | ~15 days |
| Maceió | Alagoas | ~18 days | ~12 days |
| Recife | Pernambuco | ~17 days | ~11 days |
Northeastern ports (Maceió, Recife) offer shorter transit times to MENA markets and are preferred by exporters in the Northeast sugar belt.
How to Export Brazilian Sugar to the Middle East — Step by Step
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1
Register as a sugar exporter
Brazilian sugar exporters must be registered with MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture) and SECEX (Secretaria de Comércio Exterior). The company must also be registered with SINDAÇÚCAR or UNICA for market access.
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2
Find a verified buyer
The critical step. Most first-time exporters fail here — approaching generic emails (info@) or using outdated databases. The decision maker at a Middle East sugar importer is the Procurement Manager, Import Director or Trading Manager. Braziltrad provides verified procurement contacts for sugar buyers across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco.
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3
Negotiate and agree on specifications
Agree on: ICUMSA value, moisture, polarisation, packaging (bulk or bags), Incoterms (FOB or CIF), quantity, price, and delivery schedule. Middle East buyers are highly specification-conscious — submit a quality analysis certificate upfront.
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4
Choose Incoterms
Most Middle East sugar trade is done on CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) basis — the seller arranges freight and insurance to destination port. Some large buyers (especially UAE refineries) prefer FOB to use their own freight contracts.
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5
Arrange payment
Letter of Credit (LC) at sight is standard for first transactions. Established relationships may allow 30–60 day payment terms. Never ship without a confirmed LC or advance payment for new buyers.
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6
Prepare documentation
Essential documents for MENA sugar exports: Certificate of Origin (MAPA), Phytosanitary Certificate, Quality Analysis Certificate (SGS or Bureau Veritas), Certificate of Fumigation, Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List. Saudi Arabia and UAE may require Halal certification for food-grade sugar.
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7
Arrange independent inspection
Commission SGS, Bureau Veritas or Cotecna to inspect weight and quality at origin before loading. A clean inspection certificate is required by most Middle East buyers and their banks.
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8
Ship and track
Confirm vessel loading, obtain the Bill of Lading, and send shipping documents to the buyer's bank for LC payment. Track the vessel and coordinate arrival with the buyer for customs clearance.
Pricing Reference — Brazilian Sugar to MENA 2026
| Reference | Approximate Price (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| FOB Santos — ICUMSA 45 | USD 460–480/MT |
| CIF Jebel Ali (UAE) — ICUMSA 45 | USD 500–530/MT |
| CIF Alexandria (Egypt) — ICUMSA 45 | USD 490–510/MT |
| CIF Algiers (Algeria) — ICUMSA 45 | USD 495–515/MT |
| FOB Santos — Raw Sugar (VHP) | USD 400–420/MT |
Prices are indicative and change daily with CBOT futures and BRL/USD exchange rate. Always request a firm quote from a verified exporter.
⚠️ Common mistakes Brazilian exporters make in the Middle East
- Approaching info@ emails — procurement teams rarely read them
- Sending generic proposals without knowing the buyer's specific requirements
- Not having SGS/BV inspection certificates ready upfront
- Shipping on open account to unknown buyers — always use LC for first transactions
- Underestimating lead times — Middle East buyers plan 60–90 days in advance
Key Contacts — Who to Reach at Middle East Sugar Buyers
| Company Type | Decision Maker | How to Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar refinery (UAE, Egypt, Algeria) | Raw Materials Procurement Manager | Direct email or LinkedIn |
| Food manufacturer (Juhayna, Edita, BiscoMisr) | Procurement Manager / Head of Purchasing | Direct email |
| Trading company (Dogan's, Madar Holding) | Head Trader / Import Director | Direct email or WhatsApp |
| Government/state buyer (Saudi Arabia) | Tender/Procurement Department | Official tender process |
Find Verified Sugar Buyers in the Middle East
Braziltrad has identified and verified procurement contacts at sugar importers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco — direct to the decision-maker. No intermediaries, no outdated databases.
Find Middle East Sugar Buyers →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Brazilian port to export sugar to the Middle East?
For the UAE and Gulf states, Santos and Paranaguá offer the most vessel options and competitive freight rates. For Egypt, Algeria and Morocco, northeastern ports (Maceió, Recife) offer shorter transit times and can be more cost-competitive.
Do Middle East countries require Halal certification for sugar?
Saudi Arabia and some Gulf states may require Halal certification for food-grade ICUMSA 45 sugar. Check specific import requirements for each destination country. Brazilian sugar certified by recognised Halal bodies (IFANCA, JAKIM) commands a premium in these markets.
What is the minimum volume to export sugar from Brazil to the Middle East?
Bulk vessel shipments typically start at 25,000–50,000 MT. For smaller volumes, container shipments (25 MT per container) are possible but at a significant freight premium. Most Middle East buyers prefer bulk shipments for cost efficiency.
How do I find sugar importers in Saudi Arabia?
The most effective approach is direct outreach to procurement managers at established Saudi food companies and government procurement agencies. Braziltrad provides verified procurement contacts for Saudi Arabian sugar importers — direct to the decision-maker.
What documents does Egypt require for Brazilian sugar imports?
Egypt typically requires: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Quality Analysis (ICUMSA value), Fumigation Certificate, Commercial Invoice and Packing List. Egyptian customs may also require an import licence from the buyer. Confirm requirements with your freight forwarder before shipping.