Beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Imports of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste into Spain fluctuated between 2018 and 2021, reaching a high of 271.7 thousand tons in 2021, before dropping sharply to 74.3 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production also declined from 315.9 thousand tons in 2021 to 209.2 thousand tons in 2023, leading the total market volume to contract from 572.4 thousand tons to 268.0 thousand tons over that period.

The industry's growing focus on circular economy applications, such as using beet pulp for animal feed, biogas, and biodegradable packaging, provided a structural backdrop during these years. This trend gained regulatory support in 2024 with the implementation of new EU packaging and labeling rules, including Directive (EU) 2024/1438, which encouraged the use of sustainable materials like bagasse.

Market conditions in 2024 were influenced by a surge in sugar imports from Ukraine and adverse weather affecting beet crops, which impacted by-product supply. Concurrently, major producer Azucarera launched a €69 million investment plan to modernize its production centers, while EU policy decisions favored the use of beet waste for bioenergy, contributing to a partial rebound in import volumes.

Production beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste in Spain.

Exports beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 4.8 K t, then peaked in 2017 with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Spain exported 9.5 K t of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste, down 13.6% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 71.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 132.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and France dominated Spain's exports in kind, accounting for 97.5% of total flows. Portugal held 66.4% of the share, while France contributed 31.1%, with other partners making up the remainder.

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 exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 1 499 K $ US, then peaked in 2017, showing a 2.3-fold fluctuation between these years. In 2020, Spain exported 2 425 K $ US of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste, marking a notable 19.7% reduction compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018 at 56.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 101.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain's exports in value terms of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste were primarily directed toward Portugal and France, which together accounted for 95.1% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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 pulp and sugar-manufacture waste to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Spain's imports of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste totaled 255.7 K t, a 19.7% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 21.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the leading source for Spain's imports in kind, accounting for 76.5% of total flows, with other markets collectively making up the rest.

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

After a two-year rise, Spain's imports of beet pulp and sugar-manufacture waste declined. In 2020, Spain imported 51 837 K $ US, representing a notable 12.1% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 39.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 59 005 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 42.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia accounted for 71.3% of Spain's total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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