Enzymes and prepared enzymes market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Belgian enzymes market by volume declined from 18 598 t to 14 045 t. This contraction coincided with the ongoing implementation of strict EU and Belgian regulations requiring all food enzymes to be authorized via a positive list before market entry, which constrained supply. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted global supply chains, affecting the production and distribution of industrial enzymes. During this period, underlying demand for processed foods continued to support the use of specialized enzymes in the agri-food industry.

Market volume recovered to 15 186 t in 2021. This rebound was driven by technological innovation, exemplified by Codexis's launch of an optimized enzyme for robustness and thermostability in late 2021, and by rising demand for industrial enzymes used in biofuel production, aligned with European efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In February 2022, Kerry Group's acquisition of c-LEcta strengthened manufacturing capabilities and the specialty enzyme portfolio, signaling continued industry consolidation and innovation.

Belgium's trade patterns shifted markedly by 2024. After falling from 11 425 t in 2018 to 7 400 t in 2023, enzyme imports surged to 13 273 t in 2024. Exports demonstrated consistent growth, rising from 14 279 t in 2018 to 21 428 t in 2024, reflecting a strong production base and international demand. Throughout this period, national regulations continued to mandate pre-market authorization for food enzymes, ensuring market safety and compliance.

Production enzymes and prepared enzymes in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Belgium's production of enzymes and prepared enzymes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 86 035 thousand US dollars, representing a modest decrease of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 7.2%, with an average annual decline of 2.5%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Following two years of growth, Belgium's production of enzymes and prepared enzymes declined. In 2020, the country produced 22 014 tonnes, which was 0.8% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production increased by 11%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 22 190 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports enzymes and prepared enzymes from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Belgium exported 16 090 tonnes of enzymes and prepared enzymes, marking a controlled decline of 4.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 6.5%, with an average annual increase of 2.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 279 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 16 772 tonnes. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2018 at 5.5%, and the largest annual increase was in 2019 at 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Germany were the key export partners for Belgium in terms of volume. The Netherlands accounted for 28.6% of exports, France for 19.6%, and Germany for 5.0%. Together, these three countries represented 53.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Belgium's exports of enzymes and prepared enzymes declined. In 2020, exports were valued at 134.1 million US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 5.6% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 8.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 142.0 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase occurred that same year at 10.1%.

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

The partner structure for Belgium's exports in value terms was fragmented from 2017 to 2020. France accounted for 16.3% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.9%, and the United States for 9.0%. Together, these three countries made up only 39.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports enzymes and prepared enzymes to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of enzymes and prepared enzymes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 8 121 tonnes, which was 16.9% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 30%, with an average annual decline of 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, the Netherlands, and France were the main suppliers of enzymes and prepared enzymes to Belgium in terms of volume. Denmark accounted for 41.3% of imports, the Netherlands for 32.5%, and France for 10.7%. Together, these three countries comprised 84.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Belgium's imports of enzymes and prepared enzymes were valued at 106.4 million US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 111.1 million US dollars. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2019 at 4.6%, while the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany consistently remained the main sources for Belgium's imports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 44.0% of imports, the Netherlands for 26.9%, and Germany for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented 80.5% of total import flows.

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

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