Last year proved to be highly productive to the Brazilian sugar and bioenergy sector, marked not only by engaging discussions and debates on sustainable agricultural practices and the role of biofuels in supporting countries’ climate change commitments, but also by significant strides in production and exports.
Brazil remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of sugar, and in 2024 was no exception. Last year, the country set a new export record, shipping over 38.24 million tons of sugar to approximately 156 countries, a significant increase from the 31.37 million tons exported in 2023. The top importers of Brazilian sugar include Indonesia, India, and China.
In 2024, Brazil also achieved another historic milestone, registering the largest production of ethanol in its history. The total production reached 36.83 billion liters, marking a 4.4% increase over the previous year. Of this volume, 7.7 billion liters were derived from corn, reflecting a remarkable 32.8% growth compared to 2023. These impressive figures solidify Brazil’s position as the world’s second-largest ethanol producer, trailing only the United States.
In combating climate change, ethanol stands out as a key technological solution for sustainable mobility. Whether used in its pure form (hydrous ethanol) or blended with gasoline (anhydrous ethanol), ethanol plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and offers consumers fuel savings. In 2024, the use of ethanol by Brazilian consumers prevented the emission of 48.6 million tons of CO2 eq.. Since the introduction of flex-fuel technology in 2003, which allows vehicles to run on 100% ethanol, gasoline, or any combination of the two, Brazil has successfully avoided the release of 710 million tons of CO2 eq. into the atmosphere.
The Brazilian sugar and ethanol sector has demonstrated its ability to significantly boost the supply of biofuels while maintaining its position as the world’s largest sugar producer and exporter. The sector can provide the world with a pathway to a clean energy future, all while supporting global food security, implementing advanced sustainable agricultural practices, and preserving natural resources.
@SugarcaneOrg
