Starches and inulin market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Swedish starch and inulin production increased from 48 028 tonnes in 2020 to 75 295 tonnes in 2024. This expansion was supported by the state-funded Industriklivet program, which from 2018 provided growing grants for industrial climate transition, stimulating production investments. By 2024, the potato area for starch had grown by 5% and the harvest by 15%, directly enhancing raw material availability.

Consumer interest in healthy ingredients, particularly inulin, strengthened after 2021, driven by research highlighting benefits for gut health. This boosted sales of plant-based supplements and sports nutrition containing inulin. The Swedish Competition Authority noted high market concentration and entry barriers, which may have limited market growth, while the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused supply chain disruptions without a specific marked impact on the sector.

New EU regulations on labeling and geographical indications affected market access by 2024. Concurrently, a lowered biofuel blending mandate increased fossil fuel demand, potentially raising production energy costs. The physical market volume declined slightly to 68 358 tonnes in 2024, whereas the market value rose to 58.2 million USD, reflecting a shift toward higher-value products such as inulin.

Production starches and inulin in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports starches and inulin from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 6 075 tonnes, while the highest was reached in 2019 at 18 059 tonnes, representing a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, Sweden's exports of starches and inulin amounted to 15 723 tonnes, which is 12.9% lower than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 58.9%, while the most significant increase was in 2019 at 197.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Ireland, and the Netherlands were the core destinations for Sweden's exports in kind. Finland accounted for 54.3% of exports, Ireland for 8.5%, and the Netherlands for 5.7%. Together, these three countries represented 68.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 799 thousand US dollars, while exports peaked in 2019 at 8 704 thousand US dollars, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of starches and inulin exports from Sweden reached 7 461 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 55.2%, and the most significant increase occurred in 2019 at 129.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Finland, Norway, and Ireland formed the core of Sweden's exports in value terms. Finland contributed 43.9% of export value, Norway 9.4%, and Ireland 6.9%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 60.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports starches and inulin to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's imports of starches and inulin in kind declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume stood at 40 383 tonnes, reflecting a controlled decrease of 3.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 43 347 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.7%, while the most significant increase was in 2018 at 12.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France were the key partners for Sweden's imports of starches and inulin in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 43.6% of imports, Germany for 22.6%, and France for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 76.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Sweden's imports of starches and inulin in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 30 420 thousand US dollars, indicating a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 896 thousand US dollars. The most significant increase occurred in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and France made the biggest contribution to Sweden's imports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 43.1% of import value, Germany for 20.3%, and France for 11.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 74.9% of total import flows.

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

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