Primary sugar crops market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The abolition of the EU sugar quota in 2018 liberalized the market and intensified competition, prompting producers to adapt and contributing to initial growth in production volumes. This regulatory shift was accompanied by changing consumer preferences towards natural, non-GMO, and organic sugar products, which encouraged manufacturers to expand their portfolios with cleaner-label offerings and invest in sustainable methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced volatility in 2020, temporarily reducing market volume due to disrupted supply chains and demand patterns, although demand for natural sweeteners provided some support. Recovery and subsequent growth were bolstered by improved weather conditions, such as better beet harvests in 2023, which directly increased sugar production, and by ongoing industry innovation, including Tereos opening an innovation center and Louis Dreyfus Company diversifying into new product lines.

Despite a periodic decline in 2022, the overall market trend from 2018 to 2023 was upward, with the market size reaching 31.3 million tons in 2023. This expansion was sustained by the continued effects of market liberalization, ongoing investments in digital transformation and sustainable production, and the consistent influence of consumer demand for natural and bio-based sugar products.

Production primary sugar crops in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Germany was among the world's leading producers of primary sugar crops from 2017 to 2020, ranking 12th globally by production volume.

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

World map of production of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

In 2020, Germany produced 28 618 thousand tons of primary sugar crops, representing a 3.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 26 191 thousand tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 23.1% drop, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 with a 13.5% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of primary sugar crops in Germany was valued at 1 586 million US dollars, showing a moderate decrease of 5.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 33.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.6%. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018 at 30.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 2.1% rise.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's exports of primary sugar crops increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 349.8 thousand tons, marking a strong 22.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 132.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 32.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland and the Netherlands remained the principal buyers of primary sugar crops from Germany, together accounting for 99.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Germany's primary sugar crops exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 19 380 thousand US dollars, indicating a strong 20.3% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 85%, with a compound annual growth rate of 22.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Switzerland dominated the partner structure of exports in value terms, consistently accounting for 90.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's imports of primary sugar crops increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 46.9 thousand tons, showing a steep 25.4% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 168.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium remained the main source for imports in volume terms, taking 73.4% of total flows, with the remaining share distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Germany's imports of primary sugar crops increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume amounted to 2 017 thousand US dollars, up by 20.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 66.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 18.5%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Belgium (40.9% of imports in value terms), Czechia (37.2% of imports in value terms), and the Netherlands (13.3% of imports in value terms) consistently occupied leading positions in the country structure of imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 91.4% of total flows.

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

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