Heavy rains and winds hit São Paulo citrus belt, pushing orange, sugar and ethanol prices down

Intense rainfall and strong winds in July struck the citrus belt of São Paulo state, causing fruit and leaf loss in orchards around Taquaritinga, Jaboticabal, Pradópolis and Ribeirão Preto. Growers warned that the damage could lower fruit quality (brix) and delay harvest, while the unusually high water availability may aid floral induction for the next season. Market prices reflected the mixed impact: orange varieties such as Pera and Westin fell modestly, whereas Rubi and Lima saw price gains.

At the same time, Brazil’s sugar and ethanol markets recorded price declines. The Cepea/Esalq index showed hydrated ethanol at R$ 2.0454 per litre, down 1.49% week‑on‑week, and anhydrous ethanol at R$ 2.3141, down 2.71%. White crystal sugar fell to R$ 91.50 per 50‑kg sack at the end of July, with a slight rise to R$ 90.82 on 3 August. The drops were driven by abundant supply, high stock levels and aggressive discounting by producers. The World Meteorological Organization warned that a strengthening El Niño could bring more rain in the second half of the year, potentially affecting future cane development and harvest timing.