Browse Data and Analysis

Post expects Brazil to remain the world's largest producer of sugarcane and sugar in marketing year (MY) 2025/26. Total sugarcane production is forecast at 671 million metric tons (MMT), and total sugar production is forecast at 44.7 MMT, raw value.

MY 2025/26 sugar production is expected to further increase 2 percent from MY 2024/25. MY 2024/25 sugar demand by industrial uses is likely to decline significantly due to the Chinese ban on Thai sugar syrup exports.

FAS Bangkok forecasts stability, with modest growth expected in rice and corn production, supported by favorable weather and strong domestic demand.

The Brazilian Food Processors' Association reported 2024 Brazilian food processing sector revenues at US$233 billion, a growth of 9.9 percent compared to the previous year.

Brazil’s corn planted area and production for MY 2025/26 are expected to increase. Low stocks and strong demand led corn prices to high levels in the domestic market, growing producers’ sowing outlooks.

MY 2025/26 soybean crushing demand to grow at a slower pace of two percent due to slow economic recovery with uncertainties from the U.S. reciprocal tariff measures.

For MY 2025/26, Post forecasts cotton area to grow 2.9 percent compared to the current season, to 2.13 million hectares. Post also forecasts cotton production at a record 17.8 million bales (3.87 million metric tons (MMT)).

Brazil is the second-largest chicken meat producer in the world after the United States and the largest chicken meat exporter in the world.

Post forecasts that Brazilian producers will expand soybean planted area to 48.2 million hectares (ha) in the 2025/26 season, up from an estimated 47.3 million ha in 2024/25.

Thailand's beef market offers significant growth potential for U.S. beef exports, particularly in the frozen beef segment. U.S. frozen boneless beef has grown by 24% from 2018 to 2023, reaching a total export volume of 1,083 tons in 2023.

All grades of Thai rice have experienced downward pressure on both domestic farm-gate and export prices.

In 2025, the food and dining landscape is evolving with key trends like preserved foods, sustainability, zero-waste cooking, and high-end groceries. Consumers are drawn to long-lasting, shelf-stable foods and eco-friendly practices.