Beet molasses market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The Belgian beet molasses market contracted significantly from 311.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 158.4 thousand tonnes in 2024, though with considerable annual volatility. A sharp drop occurred in 2021, followed by a partial recovery in 2023 before another decline in the final year.

Market dynamics were closely linked to the economic viability of sugar beet farming, which contended with variable yields and lower profitability versus other crops in the initial period. A key shift came in 2023 when soaring global sugar prices, amplified by supply chain disruptions in Brazil, improved grower margins and helped lift domestic molasses production. By 2024, however, a sharp decline in provisional gross margins due to lower yields and prices, combined with persistently wet weather that delayed sowing, pressured output downward.

The market structure is shaped by major integrated processors like Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, which maintained operational output despite agronomic challenges. Evolving standards, including EU organic certification rules, have also directed focus toward sustainable by-product diversification and quality specifications for end-uses in animal feed and fermentation.

Production beet molasses in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2019, Belgium's beet molasses output reached its lowest value at 20,443 thousand US dollars. Production then rebounded strongly in 2020, increasing by 11.9% to 22,872 thousand US dollars. Over the 2017-2020 period, output grew by 2.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 23,537 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 13.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Belgium produced 162.3 thousand tonnes of beet molasses, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 17.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 167.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 3.5% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 21.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beet molasses from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Belgium's beet molasses exports declined in 2020. Exports fell to 71.9 thousand tonnes, representing a 55.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 53.5%, with an average annual decline of 22.5%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 162.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands was the dominant destination for Belgium's beet molasses exports, absorbing 81.1% of total volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's beet molasses export value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Exports dropped to 7,053 thousand US dollars, a 41.3% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value fell by 40.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 16.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 12,769 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 6.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and France dominated Belgium's beet molasses exports in value terms, together accounting for 93.3% of total flows. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Belgium in value, 2017-2020

Imports beet molasses to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Belgium's beet molasses imports declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Import volume fell to 212.9 thousand tonnes, down 11.5% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 39.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia formed the main cluster of suppliers for Belgium's beet molasses imports by volume. Germany accounted for 45.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 26.7%, and Russia for 15.0%, together representing 87.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Belgium's beet molasses import value declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports decreased to 31,851 thousand US dollars, down 1.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 44.6%, with an average annual decline of 17.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia were the largest contributors to Belgium's beet molasses imports by value. Germany accounted for 44.7% of import value, the Netherlands for 28.9%, and Russia for 13.5%, together representing 87.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Belgium in value, 2017-2020