Sugar and coffee futures fell Wednesday, weighed down by weaker commodity markets, a strong dollar and the sting of news that China's economy appears to be cooling. Cocoa bucked the trend to remain steady as dealers eyed the pace of exports out of top producer Ivory Coast. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies, which was unfavourable for dollar-priced commodities.
ICE Futures US July arabica coffee contract sank 9.45 cents or by 3 percent to close at $2.7315 per lb, the lowest settlement in five weeks. New York's July raw sugar contract dropped 0.93 cent or by 4 percent to settle at 20.94 cents per lb. The August white sugar futures in London fell $18.20 to close at $594.40 a tonne.
Cocoa prices were steady as dealers awaited a pickup in the pace of exports from Ivory Coast, where the cocoa industry has resumed activity, after being at a standstill for months following a disputed presidential election. New York's July cocoa contract gained $13 to close at $3,118 per tonne.