Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the MENA market for raw cane or beet sugar in solid form experienced notable fluctuations. Market volume expanded from 32 690 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 35 611 thousand tonnes in 2021, before contracting to 33 250 thousand tonnes in 2022 and stabilizing at 33 362 thousand tonnes in 2023.

The market growth in 2021 coincided with regional industry expansion, exemplified by Al Khaleej Sugar's announcement to construct a new sugar factory in Merida, Spain, reflecting increased investment in sugar production capacity. However, in 2022, production declined sharply as higher fertilizer and energy prices raised cultivation costs for sugar beet, while drought in key supplying countries like Mexico disrupted import flows. The following year, despite drought-reduced output in major global producers like India and Thailand which tightened worldwide supply, local production recovered partially, though land-use competition between sugarcane cultivation and other priorities tempered further growth.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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 2019, MENA produced 23,866 thousand tonnes of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, but this figure dropped by 7.8% to reach 23,866 thousand tonnes in 2020. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 15.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.4%. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018, with a 10.2% drop, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 2.3%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from MENA declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 9 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp decrease of 79.2% compared to the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 98.2%, averaging an annual decline of 73.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mauritania were the key export partners for MENA in terms of volume. Kenya accounted for 38.2% of exports, Tanzania for 18.7%, and Mauritania for 4.2%. Together, these three countries made up 61.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports from MENA fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 16 million US dollars, a decrease of 72.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value dropped by 94.2%, with an average annual decline of 61.2%.

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

During 2017–2020, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mauritania remained the primary destinations for MENA's sugar exports by value. Kenya contributed 34.0% of export value, Tanzania 17.0%, and Mauritania 1.1%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 52.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into MENA increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 9,248 thousand tonnes, up by 18.4% from the prior year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 14.4%, averaging a 5.0% annual decline. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 7,456 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 31.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil dominated MENA's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form by volume, holding an 86.1% share of total flows. The remaining imports were distributed among various other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into MENA amounted to 2,996 million US dollars, marking a 3.5% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value fell by 38.6%, with an average annual decline of 15.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2,901 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 40.6%. In contrast, 2019 saw an increase of 6.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was the leading source for MENA's imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form by value, accounting for 84.9% of total import value. The remainder was spread across a diverse range of smaller destinations.

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

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