Regional sugar production crop year to date is approaching 500,000 tonnes, 88,000 of which was milled in April.
Jamaica remained the top producer for that month with 29,309 tonnes, boosting its overall contribution to the pool of more than 127,000 tonnes.
Just about 71 per cent have been exported largely to the European Union. Jamaica also contributed 6,000 tonnes to the U.S. export quota.
More recent data for Jamaica to May 23 from the Sugar Industry Authority shows production of 145,176 tonnes milled from 1,664,722 canes.
For the crop year to date, Jamaica has squeezed, on average, one tonne of sugar from each 11.47 tonnes of cane, giving an 11.47 TCTS ratio.
Guyana, which is the Carib-bean's largest producer, has churned 261,910 tonnes since last July, exporting all but 41,000 tonnes, or 84 per cent.
Its production in April was 25,899 tonnes, second behind Jamaica, but the South American country remained the top exporter in that month with just under 38,800 tonnes shipped.
Belize produced 17,066 tonnes.
Overall, the Caribbean sugar sector is aiming for a 600,000 production target for this year, but the Sugar Association of the Caribbean says the outcome remains dependent on good weather conditions.
The five countries of the Sugar Association export to the EU, US and within Caricom.
To date, just three-quarters or 375,600 tonnes have been exported, with the majority 320,000 tonnes sold to the
EU, followed by Caricom 32,800, and the U.S. with over 22,000 tonnes.
business@gleanerjm.com
| Sugar productionJuly 2006-April 2007 |
| Guyana | 261, 910 tonnes |
| Jamaica | 127,052 tonnes |
| Belize | 67,432 tonnes |
| Barbados | 22,143 tonnes |
| Trinidad | 21,342 tonnes |
Sugar exportJuly 2006-April 2007 Guyana | 220,293 tonnes |
| Jamaica | 89,765 tonnes |
| Belize | 44,152 tonnes |
| Trinidad | 21,420 tonnes |
| Barbados | — |
|
