Primary sugar crops market in Lithuania

Earlier Report Observations

The Lithuanian primary sugar crops market volume expanded from 885 thousand tonnes in 2018 to over 1 million tonnes in 2019. This initial growth was primarily driven by the abolition of EU sugar production quotas in 2017, which allowed Lithuanian producers full access to the global market and spurred export-oriented production. Furthermore, stable multi-year supply and pricing agreements between sugar beet cooperatives and processing plants provided a foundation for this expansion.

Market volume then contracted over the next three years, falling to 826 thousand tonnes by 2022. This decline was largely a consequence of external shocks disrupting the supply chain. First, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused widespread global supply chain disruptions, affecting raw material availability. The situation was exacerbated in 2022 by the war in Ukraine, which led to severe supply shortages and raw material scarcity within the EU market, significantly hampering production and reducing overall market size.

A sharp recovery followed in 2023, with the market volume rebounding to 1 164 thousand tonnes. This surge indicates the sector's adaptation in the post-shock period, likely supported by increased import activity to meet demand.

Production primary sugar crops in Lithuania

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

World map of production of primary sugar crops, 2018-2021

Lithuania's primary sugar crops production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 856 K t of primary sugar crops, marking a modest decrease of 9.7% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 002 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.7%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Lithuania's primary sugar crops production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output of primary sugar crops was valued at 64.7 M $ US, corresponding to a fall of 26.5% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 17.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 112.1 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 42.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Lithuania in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports primary sugar crops from Lithuania

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year gain, Lithuania's primary sugar crops export volume declined. In 2021, exports totalled 4 207 t, indicating an abrupt reduction of 33.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 4.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 6 301 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 26.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia consistently accounted for 75.2% of Lithuania's total exports in kind, indicating a high concentration on this market, while the remainder was shared among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year rise, exported primary sugar crops volumes from Lithuania declined. In 2021, Lithuania exported 318 K $ US of primary sugar crops, down by 45.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 585 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 43.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia and Poland together captured 96.8% of Lithuania's total exports in value terms, with the rest of the flows spread thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Lithuania

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with an 84-fold difference between these years. In 2021, primary sugar crops imports to Lithuania stood at 69 068 t, marking a sharp rise of 271.1% compared to 2020. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 16.3%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 2 605.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Lithuania in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Latvia was by far the main destination for imports in kind of primary sugar crops to Lithuania, accounting for 99.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. The lowest value occurred in 2018, while the highest was registered in 2021, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 18 times. In 2021, Lithuania imported a total of 1 000 K $ US of primary sugar crops, equivalent to an uptick of 307.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 15.9%, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 414.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, virtually all imports in value terms of primary sugar crops to Lithuania were associated with Latvia, whose share reached 97.0% of total flows.

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

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