Major government policy turning points for Latin America's three largest sugar producers--Cuba, Mexico, and Brazil--could significantly affect U.S. and world sugar trade. The breakup of the socialist trading bloc has reduced Cuba's ability to purchase inputs needed for sugar production, while forcing it to look for new markets. Privatization of the sugar industry in Mexico has revitalized its production efficiency and freedom to trade in the private market. These potential gains must be measured against rapidly growing domestic consumption, which has bumped Mexico from a net sugar exporter to a net sugar importer in recent years. Brazil, meanwhile, continues to balance domestic needs (especially sugar-derived ethanol fuel for its autos) against export earnings. Brazil, unlike Cuba and Mexico, has enough refineries to satisfy a large share of world demand for refined sugar.