GLOBAL GROWTH FORECAST
The eleventh Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference provided a platform for critical debate on the sugar market's immediate and longer-term outlook
Photo by: Bloomberg
Discussions at the eleventh yearly Kingsman Dubai Sugar Conference – which took place from January 31 to February 3 in Dubai – focused on the 2015 to 2020 industry outlook, trader debates and refining updates, says global energy, petrochemicals, metals and agriculture information firm Platts.
Platts European conference production head Daniel Lawson says the company was pleased that the conference provided a platform for critical debate on the sugar market’s immediate and longer-term outlook.
More than 30 speakers, representing producers, importers, investment bankers, shipping companies, traders, analysts and associations delivered presentations, offering their country- specific views on sugar production, regional and global trade agreements, competition in the ethanol sector, market pricing and what lies ahead in the industry to 2020.
The conference also discussed the weather in Brazil, which affects supply and demand, the degree of enforcement of China’s out-of-quota import caps, changes to the profitability of carrying sugar, and the improvement in Brazil’s mill indebtedness.
“While the sugar market appears relatively balanced, it is this balance that observers suggest could make the market in 2015 more reactive to any disruptions in supply or demand,” says Platts global associate editorial director of agriculture Tim Worledge.
The three-day event comprised keynote addresses, outlook presentations, trader debates and networking receptions, and two new features: a tour of the world’s largest standalone refinery, Al Khaleej Sugar, and the Sugar Learning Curve Workshop, which educated visitors on sugar pricing methodology, international sugar trade dispute resolution, and dealing with matters of force majeure.