SOFTS-Arabica coffee hits 2-1/2-month peak, sugar also up

LONDON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Arabica coffee futures on ICE settled at a 2-1/2-month high on Wednesday as speculative buying supported the market against a backdrop of low stocks and disruptions to global trade caused by the imposition of a 50% tariff on U.S. imports from Brazil.

COFFEE

* Arabica coffee futures KCc1 settled 1.1% higher at $3.6025 per lb, the highest since August 10.

* The market has been supported by a drop in certified exchange stocks as roasters look to secure alternative supplies following the imposition of a 50% tariff on U.S. imports of Brazilian coffee.

* Dealers noted, however, that exchange stocks had begun to creep up this week, standing at 736,573 bags, as of August 19, up from a recent low of 726,661 bags on August 14. Most of the added coffee is from Honduras with some increase also in Mexican supplies.

* Robusta coffee LRCc2 settled 3.1% higher at $4,401 a metric ton, also an about 2-1/2-month high.

SUGAR

* Raw sugar SBc1 rose 1.6% to settle at 16.57 cents per lb.

* Dealers said supportive factors included the recent rise in refining margins, which should boost demand for raws, and sentiment that strong imports into China in July are likely to continue for at least the next couple of months.

* White sugar LSUc1 gained 2.5% to $489.60 a ton.

COCOA

* New York cocoa CCc2 fell 3.9% to $7,855 a ton.

* Dealers said there remained concern about dry weather in West Africa while noting isolated showers this week had provided some relief.

* London cocoa LCCc2 lost 1.7% to 5,459 pounds per ton.