Kingsman sees 5.6 million Tonnes sugar surplus 2011/12

DUBAI: Consultancy Kingsman SA said on Sunday it forecast a global sugar surplus of 5.6 million tonnes in 2011/12 (April/March).

In a statement released at the Kingsman Dubai sugar conference, Swiss-based Kingsman also estimated a 2010/11 global sugar deficit of 0.102 million tonnes, compared with its previous estimate for a 2010/11 deficit of 0.369 million tonnes.

For 2011/12, Kingsman forecast global sugar output of 173.21 million tonnes and consumption at 167.60 million tonnes.

This reflects an estimated rise of 8.15 million tonnes (4.94 percent) in production in 2011/12 from 2010/11, while consumption is estimated to increase by 2.44 million tonnes (1.48 percent.).

Kingsman's production forecasts for 2011/12 are based on an assumption of "normal" global weather conditions.

The consultancy sees 2011/12 sugar production rising in several key producers such as China and centre-south Brazil, where output is estimated to rise by 1.85 million tonnes and 1.19 million tonnes respectively.

Russia's production is seen rising by 1.52 million tonnes in the same period, while output from Pakistan and Thailand is forecast to rise by 0.350 million tonnes and 0.205 million tonnes respectively.