Molasses market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, South Africa's molasses market volume declined from 1 025.7 thousand tons to 957.1 thousand tons. This reduction was driven by a sharp rise in exports, which increased from 7.5 thousand tons to 42.7 thousand tons, absorbing domestic output. In 2019, exports surged by 91.93% compared to 2018, reflecting expanded international demand and diversified markets including Italy and the United States. Concurrently, import prices dropped to 0.10 US$ per kg in 2020, likely reducing import volumes and contributing to the market contraction.

The market experienced a severe contraction in 2021, with volume falling to 694.9 thousand tons due to a sharp drop in production from 910 thousand tons to 684.6 thousand tons and a collapse in imports to 34.7 thousand tons. Import prices recovered to 0.14 US$ per kg, indicating tighter supply conditions. From 2022, production rebounded to 733.4 thousand tons, supported by strengthening market prices as import prices rose to 0.19 US$ per kg. By 2023, market volume stabilized at 765.1 thousand tons, aided by technological advancements in extraction and fermentation that improved product quality, though export prices showed high volatility ranging from $2.30 to $5.21 per kg.

In 2024, import volumes increased to 50.7 thousand tons while exports remained moderate at 11.7 thousand tons, with ongoing price volatility from $1.63 to $5.78 per kg. Molasses maintained steady demand in baking, confectionery, and animal feed sectors due to its sweetening properties. Technological advancements reported in 2023, such as improved extraction techniques and enzyme treatments, have enhanced product quality and market flexibility.

Production molasses in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 12th globally in molasses production volume.

Top producers of molasses, 2018-2021

World map of production of molasses, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, South Africa's molasses production declined. In 2021, the country produced 684.6 K t of molasses, marking a significant 24.8% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 23.9%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 910.0 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports molasses from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa's foreign molasses supplies amounted to 24.3 K t, representing a 43.1% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 42.7 K t, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 169.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa's molasses exports in kind were widely dispersed across destinations. Norway (18.4% of exports in kind), Thailand (15.9%), and Italy (15.3%) together accounted for just 49.6% of total flows, with the remaining 50.4% distributed among a broad range of other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Noticeable fluctuations characterized the market performance during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a 3.1-fold fluctuation. In 2021, South Africa exported 3 387 K $ US of molasses, reflecting a strong 21.0% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 4 286 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 98.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa's partner portfolio for molasses exports in value terms was quite broad. Namibia (15.2% of exports in value terms), Turkey (14.2%), and Botswana (13.5%) together represented only 42.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports molasses to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Imported molasses volumes in South Africa declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 34.7 K t, which is 61.4% lower than in 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 74%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -36.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 139.5 K t, and the largest increase also occurred in 2019 at 4.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mozambique and Zambia were the main suppliers of molasses to South Africa, together accounting for 96.3% of total imports in kind, while the remainder was fragmented across other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported molasses volumes in South Africa declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 2 992 K $ US, down by 50.5% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 64.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 29.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 10 444 K $ US, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 23.7%.

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

Over the 2018–2021 period, Mozambique and Zambia dominated South Africa's molasses imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 95.4% of total flows, with the remaining volume split among smaller markets.

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

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