Cuba is one of the world's leading producers of sugarcane. consequently, sugar is its main export. why is this a potential problem? many other countries in latin america, such as brazil, are also top global producers of sugarcane. a sudden drop in sugar prices or in production caused by a natural disaster could cripple cuba's economy. many latin american countries have unstable governments and economies. world sugar consumption is expected to drop sharply in a few years, as people become more health-conscious.