Sucrose in solid form market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for chemically pure sucrose in solid form in the United Kingdom showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023. Starting at 1 638 thousand tons in 2018, it rose to 1 788 thousand tons in 2019, then fell sharply to 1 371 thousand tons in 2020. A recovery followed in 2021 to 1 577 thousand tons, but another drop occurred in 2022 to 1 357 thousand tons. The market then surged by 40% to reach 1 900 thousand tons in 2023, the highest level in the period.

Production trends mirrored this instability, peaking at 1 551 thousand tons in 2019, dipping to 1 146 thousand tons in 2022, and rebounding to 1 579 thousand tons in 2023. Imports and exports also contributed to market size movements, with imports declining from 502 thousand tons in 2018 to 209 thousand tons in 2021 before rising again, while exports fell from 217 thousand tons to 59 thousand tons over the same span.

In 2024 and 2025, the sucrose market was influenced by capacity expansions and shifting consumer preferences. Mitsubishi Chemical's new production line for sugar esters increased supply potential for sucrose-derived products, while Archer Daniels Midland's organic sucrose line responded to demand for clean-label sweeteners. Strategic partnerships, like that of SudZucker AG for sugar-reduced beverages, reflected policy and consumer shifts towards lower sugar consumption. Additionally, growing pharmaceutical use of sucrose as an excipient supported demand, though high production costs and technical challenges remained constraints.

Production sucrose in solid form in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, the United Kingdom ranked as the 28th largest producer of solid sucrose between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of sucrose in solid form, 2018-2021

World map of production of sucrose in solid form, 2018-2021

In 2021, the United Kingdom produced 1 408 thousand tonnes of solid sucrose, marking a 9.8% increase from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 4.1%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 1 282 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 1 551 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline was observed in 2020, dropping by 17.4%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2019, rising by 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sucrose in solid form from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of solid sucrose from the United Kingdom declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 39.3 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 68.5% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports fell by 81.8%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 43.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the export structure for solid sucrose was quite diversified. Italy accounted for 15.6% of exports, Norway for 13.5%, and Ireland for 12.2%, together making up 41.3% of total flows. The remaining 58.7% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, the value of solid sucrose exports from the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, export value totaled 61.6 million US dollars, representing a dramatic drop of 58.9% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 40.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 149.9 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, up by 30.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Norway, Italy, and Ireland were the key partners for the United Kingdom's solid sucrose exports in value terms. Norway contributed 36.8% of export value, Italy 10.2%, and Ireland 10.0%, collectively representing 56.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports sucrose in solid form to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of solid sucrose into the United Kingdom fell for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume was 208.5 thousand tonnes, down by 2.7% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 58.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -25.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During 2018-2021, France dominated imports in kind, accounting for 73.2% of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented share.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of solid sucrose imports into the United Kingdom increased. In 2021, imports reached 120.7 million US dollars, showing a robust gain of 10.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 50.4%, with an annualized rate of -20.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 109.4 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 42.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium were the main suppliers of solid sucrose to the United Kingdom in value terms. France accounted for 63.9% of import value, the Netherlands for 7.4%, and Belgium for 6.5%, together making up 77.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021