Beet molasses market in Finland

Earlier Report Observations

Finland's beet molasses production showed steady growth from 2018 to 2023, increasing by over 65% during this period. This expansion was supported by government measures, including a transport subsidy for sugar beet introduced in 2021, which reduced logistics costs for producers. In 2022, additional efforts to secure raw material supply amid rising costs helped maintain production volumes, and national subsidies for beet cultivation set at 350 euros per hectare in 2023 provided direct financial support to farmers. However, in 2024, molasses output fell by one-third, despite a 20% expansion in sugar beet planted area and historically high purchase prices fixed in the industry agreement between Sucros Oy and MTK.

The beet molasses market volume in Finland heavily depended on import fluctuations, which ranged from 25 thousand tonnes to nearly 35 thousand tonnes annually. A sharp import rise in 2019 lifted the total market volume to 51 thousand tonnes, but subsequent declines brought it down to 36 thousand tonnes in 2021. A temporary recovery in 2022 was followed by another drop, and in 2024 imports plummeted to 7.5 thousand tonnes, becoming a key factor in reducing the overall market volume to 23 thousand tonnes.

The beet molasses market in Finland is closely tied to the operations of Sucros Oy, which owns the country's only sugar beet processing plant in Säkylä. The company signs long-term contracts with farmers, and industry agreements with MTK and SLC set prices and terms that influence raw material supply. State support through subsidies and transport cost compensations played a stabilizing role, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty.

Production beet molasses in Finland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Finland's beet molasses production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 145 thousand US dollars, marking a modest 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 620 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 13.2% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 15.1% was observed in 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Finland's beet molasses production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 16 337 tonnes of beet molasses, representing a slight increase of 1.8% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 8.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 720 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 8.6%. On the other hand, the largest increase of 16.9% occurred in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Finland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports beet molasses from Finland

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2017, resulting in a 3.5-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Finland's beet molasses export volume reached 0.1 tonnes, reflecting a sharp increase of 230.3% compared to the previous year. The largest decline of 50.0% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Estonia, Ukraine, and the United States remained the primary buyers of beet molasses from Finland. Estonia accounted for 60.3% of exports in kind, Ukraine for 18.3%, and the United States for 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 89.5% of Finland's total beet molasses exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest export value was recorded in 2019 at 0.0 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020, showing a 120-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Finland exported 0.4 thousand US dollars worth of beet molasses, indicating a steep increase of 11,900.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline of 92.5% was also recorded in 2019.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, Estonia was the main buyer of beet molasses from Finland, accounting for 89.9% of total exports in value terms. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares during this time.

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

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

Imports beet molasses to Finland

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Finland's imports of beet molasses declined. In 2020, the country imported approximately 23 554 tonnes, which is 32.3% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 34 803 tonnes, with the largest increase of 38.1% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania, Russia, and Denmark were the principal sources for Finland's beet molasses imports in kind. Lithuania accounted for 25.3% of imports, Russia for 24.6%, and Denmark for 22.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 72.2% of total import flows in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following two years of gains, Finland's imports of beet molasses in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 3 592 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong decrease of 20.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4 522 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 25.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Lithuania, Russia, and Denmark consistently remained the main sources for Finland's beet molasses imports in value terms. Lithuania accounted for 25.8% of imports, Russia for 24.4%, and Denmark for 21.2%. Together, these three countries represented 71.4% of total import flows in value during this period.

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

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