Primary sugar crops market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for primary sugar crops in Italy showed considerable variation from 2018 to 2023, declining from 1.94 million tons to a low of 1.11 million tons in 2022 before recovering to 1.40 million tons in 2023.

The market's rebound in 2023 was driven by a notable expansion in sugar beet cultivation areas, especially in Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. This growth was supported by guaranteed prices from the cooperative Coprob-Italia Zuccheri and additional incentives for organic and sustainably certified farms. The crop's natural resilience to drought conditions also contributed to stable production.

Coprob-Italia Zuccheri remains the central national processor, operating two production plants and emphasizing fully Italian sugar with digital traceability. Ongoing research and innovation in genomics and precision agriculture continue to strengthen the sector's adaptability.

Production primary sugar crops in Italy

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

Italy's production of primary sugar crops increased after two years of decline. In 2019, production reached its lowest point at 1 779 thousand tonnes, but then rose to 1 831 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a modest 2.9% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.3%. The sharpest drop occurred in 2018, with a 20.9% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production value of primary sugar crops declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 2 583 million US dollars, representing a sharp 27.8% drop compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 43.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -17.5%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from Italy

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 tonnes, then surged by 354.1% in 2019, and increased further to 10 tonnes in 2020, a 14.5% rise from the previous year. From the high in 2017 to the low in 2018, export volumes varied by a factor of 10. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 90.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Libya, France, and Malta were the largest buyers of Italy's primary sugar crops in volume terms, accounting for 23.9%, 20.1%, and 16.6% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 60.5% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 4.3 thousand US dollars, then jumped by 306.7% in 2019, before falling to 14.1 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 19.7% decrease from the previous year. From the high in 2017 to the low in 2018, exports varied by 8.3 times. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 88.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Malta, Libya, and Saudi Arabia were the main markets for Italy's primary sugar crops in value terms, accounting for 23.8%, 21.4%, and 12.9% of exports, respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 58.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2020 at 1 582 tonnes, showing an abrupt 310.4% increase from 2019. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, import volumes varied by 4.3 times. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.1%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Austria was the primary source for Italy's imports of primary sugar crops in volume terms, accounting for 73.1% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's import value of primary sugar crops increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 515.2 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 116.4% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 193.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 43.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, Egypt, and Spain consistently led Italy's import structure in value terms, accounting for 66.9%, 10.0%, and 7.4% of imports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 84.3% of total import flows.

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

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