Primary sugar crops market in Northern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The market for primary sugar crops in Northern Europe saw significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After an initial rise to 13.6 million tonnes in 2019, the market volume contracted to 12.0 million tonnes in 2020. Production followed a similar volatile pattern, indicating that changes in domestic output were the primary driver of market size movements during this period.

The market recovered to 13.3 million tonnes in 2021 but fell again sharply to 10.9 million tonnes in 2022. These swings highlighted the market's sensitivity to annual production yields without major stabilizing mechanisms in place.

A decisive rebound occurred in 2023, with the market volume increasing to 13.3 million tonnes. This growth was primarily fueled by a collaborative industry effort to include 270 new contract farmers into the sugar beet sector, a move designed to secure and expand cultivation and production in Finland.

Production primary sugar crops in Northern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Northern Europe produced 11 940 K t of primary sugar crops, marking a significant 12.4% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 19.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 6.9%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2018, with a 14.5% decrease, while the largest increase was seen in 2019, at 7.8%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from Northern Europe

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 569 t, with the largest decline that year of 21.4%. In contrast, the highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 11 665 t, reflecting a sharp 33.9% increase from the previous year. The gap between these years was substantial, with a 7.4-fold difference. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, soaring by 455.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, the Netherlands, and Spain were the main destinations for Northern Europe's primary sugar crop exports in kind. Poland accounted for 3.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 2.2%, and Spain for 2.1%. Together, these three countries absorbed 8.1% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of primary sugar crops from Northern Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 4 387 K $ US, showing an abrupt rise of 29.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 632.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 94.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of primary sugar crops from Northern Europe in value terms were widely distributed across various markets. Poland accounted for 12.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 9.7%, and Spain for 6.4%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 28.6% of total export flows, indicating a broad market spread.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Northern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of primary sugar crops to Northern Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 33 463 t, indicating a dramatic uptick of 75.7% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 302.8%, with an average annual rate of 59.1%.

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

The partner structure for imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. The Netherlands accounted for 18.7% of imports, France for 8.9%, and Germany for 6.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 34.5% of total import flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After advancing for two years, Northern Europe's imports of primary sugar crops in value terms declined. In 2020, imports tallied 7 783 K $ US, down by 0.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 850 K $ US. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 36%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of primary sugar crops to Northern Europe in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 17.3% of imports, Germany for 11.9%, and France for 9.3%. Their combined share reached only 38.5% of total imports.

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

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