Cane molasses market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The Portuguese cane molasses market saw its volume grow from 11,685 tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 16,655 tonnes in 2021, marking a significant expansion over three years. This upward trend was interrupted in 2022 when market volume dipped to 14,419 tonnes, but it recovered partially to 16,349 tonnes in 2023. The period closed with a notable contraction to 13,028 tonnes in 2024.

In value terms, the market demonstrated consistent growth, rising from $2.9 million in 2018 to $6.6 million in 2023, reflecting both volume increases and potential price appreciation. However, 2024 brought a sharp decline to $4.4 million, aligning with the drop in physical volume.

By 2024, cane molasses was increasingly valued in Portugal as a natural sweetener and mineral source, with growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products reflecting a broader shift toward conscious consumption. This trend underscores the product's role in industrial and agricultural processes, even amid short-term market fluctuations.

Production cane molasses in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's cane molasses production experienced a two-year growth period before declining. In 2021, the output value reached 2 672 K $ US, showing a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.4%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 13.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 710 K $ US, with the largest increase of 7.2% also occurring that year.

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

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Portugal's cane molasses production volume grew for two consecutive years before falling. In 2021, the country produced 9 005 t, representing a 12.7% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 5.5%, averaging 1.8% per year. The peak volume was in 2020 at 10 311 t, while the largest increase of 15.6% was recorded in 2019.

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

Exports cane molasses from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied by 4.5 times between the low of 2019 and the high of 2018. In 2021, Portugal exported 1 390 t of cane molasses, marking a 7.3% drop from 2020. The minimum export volume was 765 t in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 77.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 95.9% rise.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for Portugal's cane molasses exports in volume terms, together accounting for 89.7% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their peak in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cane molasses exports from Portugal totaled 415 K $ US, reflecting an 18.6% year-over-year decline. The minimum value was 248 K $ US in 2019, which also recorded the largest decrease of 68.7%. The largest increase of 105.7% was observed in 2020.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom and Spain dominated Portugal's cane molasses exports in value terms, jointly representing 82.0% of total flows, while other countries held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports cane molasses to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Market performance displayed considerable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes reached their maximum in 2021 and dropped to their minimum in 2019, with a 2.9-fold change between these years. In 2021, cane molasses shipments to Portugal from abroad amounted to 9 039 t, indicating a 35.1% increase compared to 2020. The minimum volume was 3 119 t in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 52.9%. The largest increase of 114.6% occurred in 2020.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, Morocco consistently represented 71.0% of Portugal's total cane molasses imports in volume terms, highlighting a high concentration on this market, with the rest distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. Imports peaked in 2021 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with a 3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Portugal imported 2 316 K $ US worth of cane molasses, which is 46.1% more than the previous year. The minimum value was 768 K $ US in 2019, which also recorded the largest decline of 42.3%. The largest increase of 106.4% was seen in 2020.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Morocco and Egypt were the dominant sources for Portugal's cane molasses imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.3% of total flows, with the remaining share going to other markets.

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

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