Sugar Prices Rebound Sharply – German Beet Sector Faces Stolbur Disease Threat
On 9 June 2025, ICE Sugar No.5 futures
rebounded strongly. The
August 2025 contract climbed by 1.52% to USD 472.40/t (EUR 439.33/t), supported by short-covering and a broader commodities lift. Meanwhile, a growing plant disease threat –
Stolbur phytoplasma – is putting pressure on German sugar beet production, particularly in southern regions, potentially affecting EU supply outlooks.
📊 ICE Sugar No.5 – Closing Summary (09.06.2025)
(Umrechnungskurs: 1 USD = 0.93 EUR)
🦠 German Beet Crop Threatened by Stolbur Outbreak
🚨 A serious
plant disease (Stolbur, caused by Candidatus Phytoplasma solani) is spreading rapidly in southern Germany.🔬 Carried by the
Schilf-Glasflügelzikade (a leafhopper), the disease leads to
soft, decaying roots.🌱 First affecting
sugar beets, the pathogen is now hitting
potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, beets and paprika.💬 According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Agriculture,
crop failure risks are high; several farmers are considering
stopping sugar beet cultivation.🌡️ The disease is
climate-sensitive – warmer, drier weather accelerates its spread.
🇪🇺 EU Market Impact – Supply Concerns vs. Structural Oversupply
- FCA spot prices in the EU remain subdued at EUR 0.51–0.53/kg, but disease-driven supply fears could create regional tightness in Germany.
- Traders report increased uncertainty for Q4 delivery volumes from certain southern German cooperatives.
- Retail prices remain stable, but wholesalers begin monitoring disease developments closely.
🛍️ Retail Sugar Prices (1 kg, verified 09.06.2025)
📊 Price Comparison Table
🔮 3-Day Forecast (10–12 June 2025)
📌
Outlook:Short-covering may continue, but fundamentals (high global supply, weak EU demand) cap upside. Disease news may generate local volatility.
🧭 Conclusion & Strategy
✅ Futures have bounced, but momentum is shallow⚠️ Stolbur outbreak in southern Germany adds new uncertainty to Q4 supply📦 EU spot prices remain low, but the market may begin to price in
regional risk premiums📌 Recommendations:
- 🛒 Buyers: Monitor regional offers closely – especially from southern Germany
- 📦 Sellers: Leverage weather and disease concerns in contract talks
- 📊 Traders: Watch for confirmation above USD 475/t before trend reversal call
📍
Summary:ICE sugar futures recover modestly, but a new variable has emerged:
Stolbur disease threatens German beet output, and could shift the EU market narrative if it worsens.
