Molasses market in Tunisia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Tunisia's molasses market reached 38 711 tons, but dropped sharply to 18 978 tons in 2019. This decline coincided with revisions to VAT rates under the 2018 finance law, which affected the agri-food sector's taxation. The state-owned Société Tunisienne du Sucre (STS), a major producer, reported profitable results in 2018, stabilizing after earlier losses and supporting molasses production at 7 000 tons in both 2018 and 2019.

From 2020 onward, local molasses production fell to 5 000 tons and then to 4 167 tons, where it remained through 2023. This consistently low output was driven by limited domestic sugar beet cultivation, forcing heavy reliance on imported raw sugar for refining. Market size fluctuated between 20 167 tons and 24 612 tons in 2020-2021, dipped to 17 820 tons in 2022, and recovered to 22 569 tons in 2023. Imports remained the primary supply source, highlighting inadequate local production to meet demand.

During 2023-2024, the Ministry of Agriculture banned sugar beet farming in public irrigated areas due to water resource concerns, further constraining local supply. However, a revival of beet cultivation in some regions boosted domestic molasses production. The Béja refinery, operated by STS, resumed operations in March 2024 after several halts, aiding local output. The 2024 finance law introduced incentive measures for agriculture, indirectly supporting the sugar industry. Imports in 2024 stood at 20 127 tons, underscoring continued dependence on foreign supplies.

Production molasses in Tunisia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of molasses, 2017-2020

World map of production of molasses, 2017-2020

In 2020, Tunisia produced 5 000 tonnes of molasses, marking a 28.6% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 28.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

Exports molasses from Tunisia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 108 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 12 168 tonnes, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.4 times. In 2020, Tunisia exported 12 168 tonnes of molasses, indicating a sharp increase of 105.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2018, at 22.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for exports in kind. France accounted for 34.9% of exports, the United Kingdom for 27.2%, and the Netherlands for 20.6%, together representing 82.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest import level was in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Tunisia exported 1 667 thousand US dollars worth of molasses, reflecting a sharp increase of 164.4% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 5.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands consistently remained the main destinations for exports in value terms. The United Kingdom accounted for 37.5% of exports, France for 32.7%, and the Netherlands for 18.7%, together making up 88.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports molasses to Tunisia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 17 891 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 36 820 tonnes, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2.1 times. In 2020, Tunisia imported approximately 27 335 tonnes of molasses, reflecting a dramatic year-on-year increase of 52.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 51.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 75.8%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Russia, Egypt, and Morocco stood out as the main markets for imports in kind. Russia accounted for 46.9% of imports, Egypt for 26.7%, and Morocco for 23.5%, together representing 97.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Tunisia's cross-border shipments of molasses totalled 3 886 thousand US dollars, reflecting an uptick of 61.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 21%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 413 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 5 074 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 52.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Egypt, and Morocco continued to be the main suppliers of molasses to Tunisia in value terms. Russia accounted for 45.3% of imports, Egypt for 29.1%, and Morocco for 23.6%, jointly forming 98.0% of total imports.

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

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