MPL and Belgian Sugar Exports Accelerate as Harvest Yields Strong Results
With the start of the sugar campaign just behind us, Belgian sugar exports are gaining momentum. During the previous sugar season, Belgian freight forwarder Manuport Logistics (MPL) transported 28,599 containers, representing 719,000 tons of sugar. The forwarder plays a key role in Belgian sugar exports, which remained stable at 112 kilotons in July 2025 but were 43 percent lower than a year earlier. Expectations are higher for the current season, partly due to favorable weather conditions and rapid initial growth of the beets.
:focal())
:focal())
Belgium is one of the world's largest exporters of sugar, with West Africa and the Mediterranean region as its top destinations. MPL transports bulk sugar for more than 25 customers, including producers and traders. Of the nearly 29,000 containers transported, 26,184 went to export markets.
An above-average harvest is expected in Belgium and the Netherlands for the new 2025/26 season. Early sowing and favorable weather conditions are the basis for this expectation. However, low prices and new diseases remain causes for concern, including Rubbery Taproot Disease (RTD) and Syndrome Basses Richesses (SBR). In Germany, the harvest forecast was revised downward by the EU in July.
On a global scale, sugar production appears to be leading to a surplus once again. Consultancy firm Czarnikow expects a surplus of 7.4 million tons. That is 1.2 million more than the estimate presented by the company in August. This change is mainly due to a higher estimate of sugar production.
The consultancy firm now estimates it at 185.3 million tons. That is 700,000 tons more than previously and represents the second-highest production level ever. On the other hand, expected consumption is expected to be lower. A decrease of 200,000 tons will result in consumption of 177.8 million tons, slightly less than last season.
“If the low world market price persists, this could ultimately put pressure on exports. Producers may then choose to store sugar instead of exporting it," says Philippe Baeten, Global Commercial Manager Sugar at Manuport Logistics.
The infrastructure of the port of Antwerp plays a crucial role in processing these volumes efficiently. Europe's largest sugar terminal is located in the port of Antwerp. The parent company Euroports ensures the smooth flow of Manuport Logistics' sugar shipments through its terminal. Thanks to this strategic location, the Belgian freight forwarder can offer integrated sugar logistics, from receipt and storage to worldwide transport.
:focal())
Market Situation – Compass – September '25
As part of our commitment to our partners, we share information and try to provide you with some context with periodic reports like the following, with relevant information on the logistics industry. To keep some overview, we have broken this report down into geographical regions and into bullets. Although not all trades are in the report, similar trends apply. If you require more detailed info on a specific trade or topic you can always reach out to your usual Manuport contact.
Rather listen to the latest market insights? Tune in to Compass, our monthly podcast on the logistics market situation.
:focal())
Pindar by Manuport Logistics Celebrates One Year Anniversary With New Logo
Manuport Logistics (MPL), in partnership with Pindar & Co., launched Pindar by Manuport Logistics last year to provide specialized marine sports, leisure, sailing event and yacht logistics.
Market Situation – Compass – Summer '25
As part of our commitment to our partners, we share information and try to provide you with some context with periodic reports like the following, with relevant information on the logistics industry. To keep some overview, we have broken this report down into geographical regions and into bullets. Although not all trades are in the report, similar trends apply. If you require more detailed info on a specific trade or topic you can always reach out to your usual Manuport contact.