Beet molasses market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish beet molasses market volume held steady at around 374–376 thousand tons in 2018–2019, then entered a period of decline, falling to 306.6 thousand tons in 2020 and 265.3 thousand tons in 2021. A sharp contraction to 178.8 thousand tons followed in 2022, before a strong recovery to 294.8 thousand tons in 2023 and a subsequent correction to 222 thousand tons in 2024. This volatility was closely tied to trade policy shifts and changes in domestic production capacity.

The steep drop in imports in 2022 coincided with the entry into force of EU Implementing Regulation 2022/1675, which set import duties on beet molasses from October 1, 2022. That same year, AB Azucarera closed its Miranda de Ebro plant and concentrated processing at its Toro facility, reducing overall production capacity. Imports rebounded in 2023 following the adoption of a new duty framework under Implementing Regulation 2023/2092, while domestic output remained pressured by AB Azucarera's restructuring and a CAP rule prohibiting beet cultivation on the same plot for two consecutive years.

Regulatory measures also shaped the market's structure. EU Regulation 2021/1036 authorized the commercialization of molasses from genetically modified sugar beet, broadening the raw material base for production. Furthermore, the quality standard for jams (Royal Decree 863/2003) permitted the use of beet juice, expanding potential food-industry applications for molasses. For the 2024–25 season, beet acreage in Spain was reported to have expanded by approximately 20%, driven by high sugar prices and CAP support.

Production beet molasses in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Spain, the output value of beet molasses reached 19,807 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a significant 20.2% decline from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 12.5%, which translates to an average annualized rate of 4.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 24,818 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 9.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Spain's beet molasses production volume has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 106.2 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp 27.4% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 26.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.8%. The highest volume was achieved in 2018 at 149.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.3%.

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

Exports beet molasses from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.1 thousand tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 5.8 thousand tonnes, showing a 45-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Spain's exports were 298.7% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 70.3%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 1,027.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France dominated Spain's beet molasses exports in volume, accounting for 76.9% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed timeframe. Exports hit their lowest value in 2018 at 37 thousand US dollars and reached a peak in 2020 at 1,596 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 43-fold fluctuation. In 2020, exports surged by 444.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 64.3%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 689.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Portugal, and Nigeria formed the main group of destinations for Spain's beet molasses exports in value terms. France led with 64.7% of exports, followed by Portugal at 12.1% and Nigeria at 9.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports beet molasses to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After increasing for two years, Spain's beet molasses import volume declined in 2020. Imports stood at 206.2 thousand tonnes that year, reflecting a robust 10.9% contraction from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 231.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Morocco, and Egypt were the top suppliers of beet molasses to Spain in volume terms. Russia accounted for 54.6% of imports, Morocco for 13.7%, and Egypt for 7.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 76.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Spain's beet molasses import value increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 34,593 thousand US dollars, which reflects a 1.7% gain from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Russia, Morocco, and Egypt headed the ranking of suppliers to Spain in value terms. Russia held 51.6% of imports, Morocco 15.5%, and Egypt 8.6%. Their combined share reached 75.7% of total imports.

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

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