Beet molasses market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian beet molasses market volume fluctuated between 813 thousand tons in 2018 and 837 thousand tons in 2021. Initial growth to 984 thousand tons in 2019 was supported by the launch of a second molasses desugaring station by Rusagro and the acquisition of the Yelets sugar plant by Sucden, which expanded sugar processing capacity and molasses output. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and adjustments to sugar factory plans led to a contraction in sugar and molasses production, reducing the market volume. Although technologies for deep molasses processing continued to develop, market volume remained subdued in 2021.

From 2022, the market entered a phase of sustained expansion, reaching 1 410 thousand tons by 2024. In 2022, amendments to GOST standards for molasses and a Ministry of Agriculture order capping sugar prices, combined with increased production costs and logistical constraints due to sanctions, reduced exports and made more molasses available domestically. This was followed by significant growth in sugar beet cultivation and sugar production in 2023, which boosted molasses output. The emergence of new products like molassed beet pulp to circumvent export sanctions on pulp further stimulated molasses use. The trend culminated in a record molasses production year in 2024, driven by technological innovations and expanded beet sowing areas.

In 2025, preliminary data indicates a production adjustment from the prior peak, with reported output decline in early months and accumulating molasses stocks at sugar factories. Market conditions continue to be shaped by the introduction of an excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and the ongoing influence of geopolitical factors on logistics and export channels.

Production beet molasses in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's beet molasses production has been declining for two consecutive years. In 2021, production stood at 1 508 thousand tonnes, representing a 3.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 5.9%, with an average annual decline of 2.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 654 thousand tonnes, which saw a 3.2% increase. The most significant drop occurred in 2020, with a 5.2% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports beet molasses from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's cross-border shipments of beet molasses amounted to 551.3 thousand tonnes, marking a 22.6% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 30.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.4%. The largest increase was observed in 2020, with a 14.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Spain, and Italy were the largest buyers of Russian beet molasses in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 42.4% of exports, Spain for 16.4%, and Italy for 4.8%. Together, these three countries represented 63.5% of total beet molasses exports from Russia.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Russia's beet molasses exports declined in 2021. Export value was recorded at 69 061 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 9.1% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 27.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.4%. The peak value was reached in 2020 at 76 015 thousand US dollars, which saw a 27.1% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, Turkey, Spain, and Vietnam were the key partners in Russia's beet molasses exports by value. Turkey held a 44.6% share, Spain 17.1%, and Vietnam 6.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 67.6% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports beet molasses to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Russia imported 3.7 thousand tonnes of beet molasses, showing minimal change from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, imports surged by 5 836 168.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 3 778.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's beet molasses imports in volume terms were almost entirely concentrated in Belarus, which accounted for 100.0% of the total.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Russia's beet molasses imports were valued at 518 thousand US dollars, remaining largely stable compared to 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, import value increased by 473 593.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1 579.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Belarus effectively monopolized Russia's beet molasses imports by value, capturing 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021