UNICA Records Increase in Sugarcane Processing and Ethanol Production during Early August

The initial half of August witnessed a substantial surge in sugarcane processing within the south-central region of Brazil, as indicated by data unveiled by UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association. Concurrently, ethanol production and sales also exhibited an upward trajectory during this fortnight.

Mills situated in the south-central zone of Brazil proficiently processed 47.87 million tons of sugarcane in the first half of August, representing a noteworthy upswing of 23.38 percent when juxtaposed with the equivalent period from the previous year. This robust growth in sugarcane processing marks a significant stride. Over the span of the ongoing harvest season, commencing from April 1, the cumulative sugarcane processing has amounted to 360.05 million metric tons, reflecting an appreciable growth of 11.65 percent in comparison to the corresponding period in 2022.

The dynamic performance of the region's mills manifested further in ethanol production, where a resounding achievement was recorded. Within the two-week window, these mills successfully generated 2.35 billion liters (equivalent to 620.08 million gallons) of ethanol, illustrating an impressive ascent of 16.43 percent. This remarkable production encompassed 1.42 billion liters of hydrous ethanol, signifying an increase of 22.46 percent, and 921.63 million liters of anhydrous ethanol, marking a growth of 8.19 percent. Notably, corn ethanol constituted 12 percent, equivalent to 282 million liters of the overall production, showcasing a notable upsurge of 70.22 percent.

Cumulative ethanol production throughout the ongoing harvest season has reached a commendable total of 16.79 billion liters, portraying a notable expansion of 6.84 percent. Within this volume, 9.76 billion liters of hydrous ethanol were generated, registering a modest growth of 0.73 percent, while 7.03 billion liters of anhydrous ethanol were produced, revealing a substantial increase of 16.66 percent. Significantly, corn ethanol contributed 2.23 billion liters to the production tally, demonstrating an impressive rise of 49.74 percent in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year.

Mills operating in the south-central region of Brazil accomplished robust ethanol sales during the first half of August, attaining a remarkable total of 1.32 billion liters. This magnitude showcases a notable surge of 8.74 percent in contrast to the same period in 2022. The sales breakdown highlights the contribution of 833.25 million liters of hydrous ethanol, reflecting an impressive rise of 25.36 percent, and 486.02 million liters of anhydrous ethanol, despite a minor decline of 11.4 percent. Within the domestic market, hydrous ethanol sales witnessed a growth of 15 percent, reaching 752.38 million liters, whereas anhydrous ethanol sales experienced a marginal contraction of 3.86 percent, amounting to 477.41 million liters.

Considering the cumulative ethanol sales from the inception of the ongoing harvest season, the tally arrives at 10.94 billion liters, reflecting a modest growth of 1.76 percent. This cumulative figure encompasses 6.12 billion liters of hydrous ethanol, which experienced a slight decline of 4.83 percent, and 4.82 billion liters of anhydrous ethanol, registering a notable growth of 11.58 percent.