Bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing market in Estonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for bran and cereal processing residues in Estonia started at 5 098 t in 2018 within a state-regulated grain sector. A sharp 54.5% expansion to 7 875 t followed in 2019, primarily driven by the emergence of new demand from biogas production at diversified enterprises, which utilized these by-products for energy generation. This growth was momentarily interrupted in 2020 when the market contracted by 16.2% to 6 603 t, a period characterized by persistent constraints in domestic processing capacity despite rising agricultural investments.

Market volume rebounded strongly, growing 37.9% to 9 104 t in 2021, supported by continued investment in sustainable production, including biogas, and policy measures aimed at strengthening local processing. Growth continued at a more moderate pace of 11.5% in 2022, reaching 10 147 t, as biogas production remained a key trend and state policies favored sustainability. However, a significant shift occurred in 2023 with a 23.8% decline to 7 731 t. This downturn coincided with the growing market influence of Baltic Agro, a company managing half of Estonia's arable land under grain, and a reorientation of state subsidies toward cultivating cereals and protein crops to meet environmental policy goals.

The market contraction continued into 2024, falling a further 17.5% to 6 381 t. This occurred against a backdrop of unstable farm profitability despite rising productivity and investment. The market context was shaped by an ongoing emphasis on creating local added value and sustainable production, including biogas, alongside a shift in consumer preferences toward sustainability and local origin.

Production bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing in Estonia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In Estonia, the output value of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing reached 3 504 thousand US dollars in 2021, marking a significant increase of 35.9% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 31.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 577 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 3.0% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2018-2021

World map of production of bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing, 2018-2021

Estonia's production of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 18 545 tonnes, showing a slight year-over-year rise of 2.3%. From 2018 to 2021, overall production expanded by 7.7%, translating to a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Estonia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing from Estonia

Exports in kind, t

Estonia's export volume of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing stood at 14 423 tonnes in 2021, reflecting a moderate decline of 6.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 11.9%, with an annualized rate of 4.1%. The largest drop occurred in 2019 at 11.3%, while the highest increase was recorded in 2020 at 5.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia and Finland dominated Estonia's exports in kind, jointly accounting for 98.7% of the total trade flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Estonia's cross-border shipments of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing rebounded in 2021. The export value reached 2 661 thousand US dollars, representing a 22.0% increase year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 181 thousand US dollars, with the largest decrease occurring in 2019 at 14.9%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, Latvia was the primary buyer of these products from Estonia, capturing 79.1% of total exports in value terms, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports bran, sharps and residues from cereal or legume processing to Estonia

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Estonia imported 4 981 tonnes of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing, a substantial increase of 29.8% compared to 2020. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports grew by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2020 at 3 836 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 21.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia, Finland, and Ukraine were the main suppliers of these products to Estonia in kind, accounting for 61.6%, 15.4%, and 10.4% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 87.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Estonia's import value of bran, sharps, and residues from cereal or legume processing reached 1 360 thousand US dollars in 2021, up by 32.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 span, imports surged by 60.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 17.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 3.2%.

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

In the period 2018–2021, Latvia, Belgium, and Finland were the key markets for Estonia's imports in value terms, contributing 40.2%, 17.5%, and 11.9%, respectively. Collectively, they made up 69.7% of total import flows.

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

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