Fiji’s sugar industry is currently navigating significant hurdles, as recent data has revealed a concerning escalation in the Tonnes of Cane to Tonnes of Sugar (TCTS) ratio. In 2025, the TCTS ratio soared to approximately 13, marking the highest level seen in nearly a decade. This stark increase raises alarms regarding both milling efficiency and the quality of the sugarcane being processed. The figures, released by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, indicate that the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s mills required 13 tonnes of cane to produce just one tonne of sugar, up from an average TCTS of around 9 in 2017.
The TCTS ratio is a crucial indicator of production efficiency within the sugar industry. An elevated TCTS often points to lower sugar extraction rates from harvested cane, which may stem from various factors including delayed harvesting, declining cane quality, and inefficiencies within the milling process.
In addition to the rising TCTS ratio, sugarcane production has been in a downward spiral, with only about 1.45 million tonnes harvested in 2025. This figure sharply contrasts with the nearly 1.8 million tonnes produced in 2019. Correspondingly, sugar output has also diminished, dropping to around 110,000 tonnes in 2025, down from approximately 180,000 tonnes in 2017.
These declines have adversely affected export earnings from the sugar sector, with revenues fluctuating alongside dwindling production levels. Nevertheless, amidst these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for the future. By concentrating efforts on improving cane quality, streamlining milling operations, and ensuring timely harvesting, there is potential for Fiji’s sugar industry to revitalize. Such initiatives could facilitate a turnaround in fortunes, inspiring optimism for stakeholders and the broader economy in the near future.