Beet molasses market in Poland

Earlier Report Observations

Following the abolition of the EU sugar quota system in 2017, the Polish sugar industry underwent optimization and consolidation, affecting beet molasses production as a by-product. The market volume stood at 289.6 thousand tons in 2018, rose slightly to 300.0 thousand tons by 2019, but fell to 259.8 thousand tons in 2020. During this period, the introduction of high-quality organic molasses varieties reflected growing consumer interest in natural products.

A new PKWiU classification for sugar and molasses came into effect in 2021, altering VAT tax rates and influencing market operations. This coincided with a market recovery to 290.8 thousand tons. The following year, Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted supply chains and raised energy costs, increasing production expenses for sugar and molasses. Despite this, domestic market volume grew to 298.3 thousand tons, partly due to reduced exports.

Market volume dropped sharply to 152.1 thousand tons in 2023, likely influenced by the ongoing war's impact on export flows and production. Concurrently, the trend towards organic molasses strengthened, driven by health-conscious consumers. By 2024, the market partially recovered to 227.7 thousand tons as production surged to 747.3 thousand tons, though the conflict continued to affect price volatility and availability.

Production beet molasses in Poland

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Poland's beet molasses production has been growing for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at 65 003 thousand US dollars, representing a 5.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 47.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.8%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Following two years of growth, Poland's beet molasses production experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 567.1 thousand tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year contraction of 8.4%. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 19.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 619.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 21.7%.

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

Exports beet molasses from Poland

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Poland exported 324.7 thousand tonnes of beet molasses, a decrease of 2.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.9%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 252.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 17.7% that year. The highest volume was in 2019 at 333.6 thousand tonnes, which also recorded the largest increase of 32.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland's beet molasses exports in kind were highly diversified. The top three markets—the United Kingdom (23.3% of exports), the United States (15.5%), and Germany (10.9%)—together accounted for 49.7% of total flows. The remaining 50.3% was distributed among a wide range of smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Poland's beet molasses exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 45 209 thousand US dollars, showing a notable 14.5% improvement over 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 20.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 27 190 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 27.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 45.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, the core markets for Poland's beet molasses exports in value terms were the United Kingdom (24.8% of exports), the United States (15.3%), and Germany (10.0%). Together, these three countries represented 50.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beet molasses to Poland

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Poland imported 17.3 thousand tonnes of beet molasses, a 20.7% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 35%, with an annualized decline of 13.4%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 14.4 thousand tonnes, which also recorded the largest decline of 56.8%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 33.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 24.6% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal suppliers of beet molasses to Poland in kind were Belarus (34.6% of imports), Ukraine (24.6%), and Moldova (16.1%). Together, these three countries accounted for 75.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Poland's beet molasses imports amounted to 1 761 thousand US dollars, up by 28.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 30%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 11.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 1 374 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 57.0%. The highest value was in 2018 at 3 192 thousand US dollars.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Poland's beet molasses imports in value terms were Belarus (29.3% of imports), Ukraine (24.6%), and Lithuania (15.7%). Together, these three countries accounted for 69.7% of total import flows.

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

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