According to trading information at the beginning of the week, July contracts for raw sugar on the NY ICE exchange (SBN25) decreased by 0.06 cents (–0.37%) and closed at 16.04 ¢/pound, while August agreements for refined sugar on the ICE London platform (SWQ25) fell by $7.60 (–1.60%) to $467.50 per ton, as reported by Barchart.
The recession occurred against the backdrop of a sharp drop in WTI oil prices (CLQ25), which lost 7% in one day. This led to a surge in asset sales in the sugar production sector. Lower oil prices reduce the attractiveness of ethanol production, which may lead to a reassessment of long-term positions regarding sugar. The drop in oil prices reduces the desire to produce ethanol, which in turn opens up opportunities for increased sugar production, increasing its supply in the market.