Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

The Belarusian sugar market saw a moderate increase in 2019, supported by the full operation of four major sugar plants and a strategic shift away from processing imported raw cane sugar, which concentrated production on domestic beet sugar. This growth was reversed in 2020 when a lower sugar beet harvest directly caused a sharp drop in production volumes.

Output continued to decline in 2021, a period marked by the launch of the state "Agrarian Business" program for 2021-2025 aimed at revitalizing the sector. A significant recovery began in 2022, driven by a 41% surge in domestic sugar sales. This upward trend accelerated in 2023 following a record sugar beet harvest of nearly 5.3 million tons, which boosted production well above domestic needs and expanded export opportunities.

Market conditions during these years were also shaped by ongoing state price controls and the introduction of new product labeling and traceability requirements, alongside continued investment in modernizing production facilities.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus ranked 17th globally in the production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form.

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

In 2020, Belarus produced 4 626 K t of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, marking a 17.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 17.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 2.5%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Belarus

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. From 2017 to 2020, exports fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 12.7 times. In 2020, exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Belarus totaled 0.0 K t, representing an 81.1% drop from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 43.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia was the dominant buyer of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Belarus, accounting for 95.6% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatile behavior during these years. Exports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Belarus exported 5 K $ US of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, equivalent to a 75.5% year-over-year decline. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 30.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in value terms was heavily concentrated, with Russia dominating at 94.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Belarus

Imports in kind, K t

The market trend was unstable throughout this timeframe. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest in 2018, with a 96-fold gap between these years. In 2020, imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Belarus reached 4.9 K t, which is 15.9% lower than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1.7 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 99.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 251.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Cuba and Brazil were the primary sources for imports in kind, together making up 85.2% of total flows, with other partners holding much smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest in 2017 and their lowest in 2018, varying 94 times between these points. In 2020, imported volumes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Belarus amounted to 1 946 K $ US, reflecting a 17.7% year-over-year drop. The minimum value was in 2018 at 862 K $ US. The largest decline was in 2018, at 98.9%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 174.1%.

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

Over 2017-2020, Brazil and Cuba led as the main sources for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.1% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other markets.

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

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