Compiled by Rosemary Wambui
Source, Kulea
The sugar market across Eastern and Southern Africa remained largely stable during the week of 30th March to 5th April 2026, with minimal price movements recorded across key trading hubs. Despite this stability, a slight improvement in global market conditions was observed, offering cautious optimism for import-dependent markets such as Kenya.
Kenya Market Performance
In Kenya, Very High Polarisation (VHP) sugar prices showed marginal movement:
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Nairobi: Declined slightly from USD 993/MT to USD 970/MT (▼ –2.32%)
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Mombasa: Increased modestly from USD 977/MT to USD 985/MT (▲ +0.82%)
This mixed performance reflects a balanced domestic market, with inland price softening likely influenced by supply adjustments, while coastal prices edged upward due to import-linked dynamics.
Regional Price Trends
Across East Africa, the market maintained relative firmness:
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Kigali: USD 859/MT (▲ Rising)
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Kampala: USD 800/MT (▲ Rising)
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Dar es Salaam: USD 904/MT (— Stable)
In Southern Africa, prices remained unchanged:
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Durban: USD 874/MT
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Johannesburg: USD 877/MT
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Cape Town: USD 862/MT
Similarly, the Horn of Africa recorded stable pricing:
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Mogadishu (LQW): USD 670/MT
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Mogadishu (VHP): USD 540/MT
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Juba: USD 750/MT
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Bukavu: USD 720/MT
Overall, the regional outlook points to a steady supply-demand balance, with no significant disruptions or shocks affecting pricing structures.
Import Parity Analysis
Import parity levels remained unchanged across major trade blocs:
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COMESA FTA (Mombasa): +58 USD/MT
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COMESA Non-FTA (Mombasa): –7 USD/MT
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EAC (Nairobi): +18 USD/MT
However, a notable shift was observed in the world market parity, which improved from –335 USD/MT to –316 USD/MT. While still negative, this movement indicates a slight easing of global price pressures, potentially reducing the cost burden of imports in the medium term.
Regional Trade Activity
Port activity in the region remained active, with multiple vessels originating from Kandla, India, destined for Berbera, Somalia, carrying refined sugar shipments. This underscores continued trade flows into the Horn of Africa, even as prices remain stable.
Market Outlook
The Week 13 outlook suggests a calm and stable trading environment across the region. The absence of volatility reflects consistent supply chains and steady demand patterns.
However, the modest improvement in global parity signals a potential shift worth monitoring. While import conditions remain unfavourable overall, the gradual easing of global pressures could influence pricing trends in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The regional sugar market continues to exhibit resilience, with stability prevailing across most markets. Kenya’s slight internal price adjustments, coupled with improving global parity, highlight a market in equilibrium but sensitive to external influences.
Stakeholders are advised to remain attentive to global market movements, as these will play a critical role in shaping future import dynamics and price competitiveness.