Molasses market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The molasses market in the CIS region saw its volume rise from 987 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 149 thousand tons in 2019, before declining to 998 thousand tons in 2020. This contraction was linked to a documented drop in sugar production, which reduced molasses output, and the widespread supply chain and trade disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market volume recovered to 1 120 thousand tons in 2021 and grew steadily to reach 1 335 thousand tons by 2023. This expansion occurred amid sustained geopolitical tensions and trade sanctions, which altered import and export patterns. The significant increase in 2023 was driven by a rise in domestic molasses production within the region and shifts in global sugar and biofuel prices.

In 2024, key market influences included growing export volumes, currency fluctuations, and increased demand from the food, feed, and biofuel industries, reflecting ongoing sectoral and geopolitical developments.

Production molasses in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of molasses, 2017-2020

World map of production of molasses, 2017-2020

In 2019, molasses production in the CIS saw its largest increase at 0.3%. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 1 829 K t, marking a moderate year-over-year decline of 6.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Molasses production in the CIS increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching a value of 189.3 M $ US, which represents a modest year-over-year improvement of 9.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 133.6 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 9.3%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase at 29.6%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 28.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in CIS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports molasses from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

In 2019, cross-border shipments of molasses from the CIS reached their minimum at 803.0 K t, with the largest decline that year at 16.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 963.1 K t, which saw the largest increase at 16.7%. By 2020, exports totalled 835.5 K t, reflecting a measured rise of 4.0% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Lithuania were the key destinations for molasses exports in kind from the CIS. Turkey accounted for 37.9% of exports, Spain for 13.2%, and Lithuania for 7.4%, together representing 58.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

CIS molasses exports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, totalling 86 448 K $ US, up by 21.3% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 41.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Lithuania consistently led in the country structure of molasses exports in value terms. Turkey accounted for 41.9% of exports, Spain for 14.4%, and Lithuania for 4.8%, jointly making up 61.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports molasses to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.8 K t, with the largest decline that year at 67.6%. In contrast, the highest volume occurred in 2017, resulting in a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.7 times. By 2020, CIS imports had risen to 4.1 K t, which is 131.1% higher than the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Vietnam together accounted for 3.9% of total molasses imports in kind to the CIS, making them the main markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 488 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 75.6%. Volumes climbed to their maximum in 2017, resulting in a 5-fold shift. In 2020, molasses imports to the CIS reached 1 505 K $ US, representing a steep uptick of 208.6% compared to 2019.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and Germany were the principal destinations for molasses imports in value terms to the CIS. China accounted for 6.3% of imports, Vietnam for 2.8%, and Germany for 1.0%, jointly accounting for 10.2% of total flows.

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

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