- Russian beets have been planted in record numbers per hectare.
- Growing conditions have been normal and beets are developing well.
- This means Russia is on track to have an exportable surplus of white sugar this year.
19/20 Production Increased
- We expect Russia to produce 6.4 m tonnes sugar in 2019/20, matching the record year of 2017/18.
- With consumption at just over 5.9m tonnes, Russia will be in a production surplus.
2019/20 Production – Another Record Year?
- This means that Russia will not need to draw down its stocks in order to fulfil export intentions.
- Stock to Use in Russia will remain above 20% (See Czapp sugar data).
Russian Export Volume Increasing Significantly
- If Russian logistics allow, we could see supply of more than 700k tonnes available to the world market.
- This could pressure the already oversupplied whites market and also displace some world market raws demand from Kazakhstan.
Record Beet Population Performing Well
- The number of beets planted per hectare is 101,000, up 22% in 10 years.
- This is a result of increased government-led investment in Russian agriculture as part of an attempt to improve food security.
Record Beet Population Improving Steadily
- The first beet test indicates an average root weight of 117 grams, slightly above average for this time of year.
- This much above last year’s drought affected 81 grams.
- Weather in Russia has been favourable for beet growth
- Soil moisture across all beet growing regions is normal for this stage.
Root Weight Normal After First Beet Test
