UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry association, has announced plants in the south-central region of the country processed 1.18 million tons of sugarcane during the first half of January, producing 35,500 tons of sugar and 67.81 million liters (17.91 million gallons) of ethanol, including 18.97 million liters of anhydrous ethanol and 48.84 million liters of hydrous ethanol. 

From April 1 through Jan. 1, UNICA reported mills in the region processed 593.23 million tons of sugarcane, manufacturing 24.98 billion liters of ethanol, including 10.55 billion liters of anhydrous ethanol and 14.42 billion liters of hydrous ethanol. Sugar production over the same period reached 35.24 million tons.

During the first half of January, only 11 units continued to process sugarcane in the south-central region. UNICA said those mills are expected to continue operations through the end of the month.

UNICA also reported that corn ethanol production during the first half of January reached 13.32 billion liters, bringing the total since the beginning of the 2016-’17 harvest to 153.81 million liters, including 22.31 million liters of anhydrous ethanol and 131.5 million liters of hydrous ethanol.

Ethanol sales by plants in the south-central region reached 875.32 million liters during the first half of January. Approximately 44.83 million liters of that volume were destined for export, with 830.49 million liters sold into the domestic market.