Ukraine 2019/20 sugar exports to fall by 70pc

• The union said competition from Russia was the main reason for the fall.
• Ukrtsukor said sugar exports fell to 9,100 tonnes in April from 19,600 tonnes a year earlier.
• Ukraine traditionally exports its sugar made from sugar beet to Central Asian countries.

KIEV: Ukraine's white sugar exports in the 2019/20 season are likely to fall by around 70% to 120,000 tonnes from 409,800 tonnes a season earlier, national sugar producers union Ukrtsukor said on Tuesday.

The union said competition from Russia was the main reason for the fall.

Ukrtsukor said sugar exports fell to 9,100 tonnes in April from 19,600 tonnes a year earlier.

"This is a fairly predictable figure, as most of our markets are occupied by Russian sugar. Overproduction (in Russia) and convenient logistics to Central Asian countries make Russian sugar import more profitable," the union said in a report.

Ukraine traditionally exports its sugar made from sugar beet to Central Asian countries.

The union has said Ukraine will sow up to 200,000 hectares with sugar beet, down 5% from last season.