Indonesia’s raw sugar imports are set to increase 29% next year totaling 3.6 million tons – up from 2.8 million tons in 2014 according to the Indonesian Sugar Refiners Association. In the year to April 2015 Indonesia will outpace China to become the world’s top sugar buyer as imports climb to meet the demand from the country’s growing food industry. Because of increases in both population and incomes, Indonesia’s food industry is growing at 8% per year as the country’s consumer opt more and more for processed foods and beverages. Total Indonesian sugar consumption for the 12 months to April 2015 will rise to 5.9 million tons – up from 5.7 million tons for the previous year with imports of white and raw sugar at 3.75 million tons. Consumption across multiple food categories is climbing for the country. Consumption of palm oil will reach a record 11.2 million tons in the year to September 2015, doubling over the last decade, and imports of wheat could exceed 10 million tons within the next five years putting Indonesia on par with Egypt, the world’s top wheat importer.
To receive relevant news stories with summaries provided by GAI Research & Insight, subscribe to Global AgDevelopments, our free weekly enhanced eNews service