Primary sugar crops market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for primary sugar crops in Western Asia saw substantial growth from 2018 to 2023, with market volume increasing from 17 831 thousand tons to 25 602 thousand tons. This expansion was marked by significant volatility, including a sharp 27% surge in 2020 to 23 374 thousand tons, followed by a 23% contraction in 2021.

The market decline in 2021, which brought volume down to 18 064 thousand tons, aligned with the introduction of mandatory red-labeling for high-sugar products in Israel. This policy reduced purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages, curbing demand for sugar and consequently for primary sugar crops. Subsequent years saw a recovery and further growth, with market volume reaching 25 602 thousand tons in 2023, despite ongoing regulatory measures such as Israel's sugar-sweetened beverage tax implemented in early 2022.

Production primary sugar crops in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of primary sugar crops, 2017-2020

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

Western Asia's production of primary sugar crops grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 23,359 thousand tonnes, marking a significant 27.0% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 7.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 17,819 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year reaching 17.8%.

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

Exports primary sugar crops from Western Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for primary sugar crops in Western Asia exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a dramatic 34-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 222 tonnes, a sharp increase of 102.5% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 377 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 71.0%. The most substantial increase was seen in 2018, soaring by 3,298.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Western Asia exported primary sugar crops to a diverse range of markets. Even the top three destinations—the United States, Egypt, and Iran—collectively accounted for only 46.9% of total exports in volume terms, highlighting the market's broad distribution.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.9-fold gap between these years. In 2020, the value of foreign primary sugar crops supplies from Western Asia totaled 110 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp uptick of 64.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 156 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 56.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2018, rising by 294.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of primary sugar crops from Western Asia in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The top three destinations—the United States (16.8% of exports in value terms), Egypt (8.1%), and Seychelles (1.7%)—together captured only 26.5% of total flows, indicating a relatively dispersed market.

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

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

Imports primary sugar crops to Western Asia

Imports in kind, t

The import market for primary sugar crops in Western Asia showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.4 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of primary sugar crops to Western Asia registered 14,554 tonnes, up by 84.6% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7,884 tonnes, with the largest decline that year reaching 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical pattern of imports in volume terms was characterized by a strong dominance of Egypt, which accounted for 80.3% of total flows. Other partners held relatively minor shares, underscoring Egypt's pivotal role in the import market.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Western Asia imported primary sugar crops valued at a total of 3,796 thousand US dollars, showing a drop of 31.3% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 30.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 3,796 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year reaching 13.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt (54.2% of imports in value terms), Pakistan (10.7%), and the Netherlands (8.5%) were the principal destinations for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 73.4% of total flows, indicating a more concentrated import structure compared to exports.

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

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