Sugar beet market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Belgian sugar beet production fell from 5 192 thousand tonnes to 4 550 thousand tonnes, while the market volume declined from 5 150 thousand tonnes to 4 370 thousand tonnes. This contraction was driven by a 25% reduction in sugar beet planting area over the 2018‑2023 period, primarily due to the spread of viral yellows, the prohibition of neonicotinoid insecticides, and volatility in the European sugar market. Furthermore, the gross margin for sugar beet remained below that of competing crops such as winter wheat, making it less attractive for farmers.

Production partially recovered to 4 744 thousand tonnes in 2022, with market volume rising to 4 634 thousand tonnes. This rebound occurred alongside increased competition from Ukrainian sugar following the EU’s suspension of import duties, which pressured European producers. By 2023, output stabilized at 4 750 thousand tonnes and market volume reached 4 625 thousand tonnes. During this period, European sugar beet area expanded by 12%, leading to oversupply and a 40% drop in sugar prices within a year. A compensation fund was established to support growers’ incomes amid the price volatility.

Entering 2024, the sector continued to face tighter and more heterogeneous EU regulations on agricultural and industrial practices. Beet prices were expected around €40–45 per tonne, down from the previous year, due to global stock tensions and softer demand. Ukrainian sugar maintained its presence on the European market, while beet by‑products were increasingly used for animal feed and biogas production, reflecting the industry’s adaptation to bioeconomy trends.

Production sugar beet in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Belgium was one of the world's leading sugar beet producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 13th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of sugar beet, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar beet, 2017-2020

Belgium's sugar beet production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4 784 thousand tonnes of sugar beet, marking a modest decrease of 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 19.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.0%.

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

Exports sugar beet from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

Belgium's sugar beet exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 140.7 thousand tonnes, up 4.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 2 086.3%, representing an average annual growth rate of 179.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Belgium's sugar beet exports, accounting for 99.8% of the total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's sugar beet exports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported sugar beet worth 4 128 thousand US dollars, a 26.7% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 349.1%, with an average annual increase of 65.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands clearly dominated as the primary buyer of sugar beet from Belgium, representing 97.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sugar beet to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a six-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Belgium imported 73.6 thousand tonnes of sugar beet, reflecting a sharp increase of 457.6% year-over-year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 12.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 16.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France remained the dominant source for Belgium's sugar beet imports, accounting for 84.8% of total volume, with the remainder fragmented across other markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited notable volatility during these years. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2019 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, showing a 5.1-fold shift. In 2020, Belgium's sugar beet imports amounted to 2 598 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a sharp increase of 411.1% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 508 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 34.0% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—France, the Netherlands, and Ireland—together accounted for 88.3% of Belgium's total sugar beet import value.

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

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