Sucrose in solid form market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The sucrose market in the MENA region exhibited notable volatility between 2018 and 2023. After a high of 12 687 thousand tons in 2018, market volume fell to 11 264 thousand tons in 2019. This contraction aligned with adverse economic conditions across oil-exporting nations, including a global growth slowdown, oil price instability, and tightening monetary policies, which collectively suppressed demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains and shifted consumption habits, yet the market volume increased to 11 583 thousand tons. A steep decline followed in 2021, with volume dropping to 9 919 thousand tons. This downturn coincided with a significant rise in demand for sugar substitutes and the expansion of the diabetes drugs market, both factors likely reducing sucrose consumption.

Market recovery ensued in the subsequent years, with volume reaching 11 083 thousand tons in 2022 and 11 501 thousand tons in 2023. Ongoing regional conflicts and restrictive monetary policies presented headwinds, but the market showed resilience. Broader regional trends, such as heightened IPO activity and a shift toward ethical investments, also characterized the period.

Production sucrose in solid form in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of sucrose in solid form, 2017-2020

Following two consecutive years of decline, MENA's production of sucrose in solid form rebounded. In 2020, the region produced 11 678 K t, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 12.8%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 10 354 K t, while the steepest drop occurred in 2018 with a 16.2% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of sucrose in solid form production in MENA reached 6 669 M $ US, reflecting a 9.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value declined by 13%, averaging a 4.5% annual reduction. The lowest value was observed in 2019 at 6 111 M $ US, whereas the highest was in 2018 at 8 268 M $ US. The most substantial decline took place in 2019, with a 26.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports sucrose in solid form from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market demonstrated notable volatility throughout the observed period. From 2017 to 2019, exports fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough difference of 2.2 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of sucrose in solid form from MENA totaled 2 549 K t, representing a sharp 85.2% rise from 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 376 K t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 48.9% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, exports of sucrose in solid form from MENA were relatively diversified. The top three exporters—Sudan (15.4% of exports in kind), Turkey (7.5%), and Mauritania (3.7%)—collectively accounted for only 26.6% of total flows, indicating a lack of heavy concentration.

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

Market behavior was marked by volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, with a 2.2-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, the value of sucrose in solid form exports from MENA amounted to 1 456 M $ US, showing a substantial 79.2% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 812 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 34.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of sucrose in solid form from MENA in value terms were not highly concentrated. The leading exporters—Sudan (15.3% of exports in value terms), Turkey (7.0%), and Pakistan (2.9%)—together represented just 25.2% of total flows, reflecting a broad distribution.

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

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

Imports sucrose in solid form to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, MENA's imports of sucrose in solid form saw an uptick. In 2020, import volume reached 2 454 K t, indicating a modest 7.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.1%, corresponding to an average annual decline of 10.4%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 2 286 K t, and the largest decline occurred that same year with a 31.4% reduction.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, imports of sucrose in solid form to MENA were widely dispersed across partner countries. The top three sources—India (17.5% of imports in kind), Brazil (13.1%), and France (8.6%)—collectively accounted for only 39.3% of total flows, highlighting the diversity of suppliers.

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

Following a two-year downturn, imported volumes of sucrose in solid form in MENA increased. In 2020, imports were valued at 1 345 M $ US, up by 20.1% year-over-year. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 32.2%, averaging an annual decline of 12.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 120 M $ US, and the most significant drop occurred that year with a 37.1% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was broad. India (15.3% of imports in value terms), Brazil (11.5%), and France (9.2%) together constituted only 36.0% of total flows, with the remaining 64.0% sourced from numerous other countries, underscoring the wide distribution.

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

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