Sugar beet market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

Sugar beet production in Serbia began the period at 2.3 million tons in 2018 but declined over the next two years. Unfavorable climatic conditions and drought in 2019 reduced harvested areas and output, contributing to a drop. The industry also faced challenges including the closure of some sugar mills, though state subsidies for beet growers were introduced.

After a slight stabilization in 2021, production fell sharply to 1.7 million tons in 2022 as drought again impacted yields. A significant rebound occurred in 2023 when planted area expanded by approximately 30%, driven by increased state subsidies and higher beet prices. Key processor Sunoko supported growers with advances and seed material, while investing in climate-adaptation technology.

The market structure consolidated during this time, with the number of operational sugar mills declining. Sunoko remained the dominant player, processing the majority of the beet crop and focusing on research to improve crop resilience in the face of climate variability.

Production sugar beet in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia was one of the world's leading producers of sugar beet, ranking 21st globally by production volume.

Top producers of sugar beet, 2017-2020

World map of production of sugar beet, 2017-2020

Serbia's sugar beet production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 2 018 thousand tonnes of sugar beet, representing a 12.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 19.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 7.1%.

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

Exports sugar beet from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

Serbia's sugar beet exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported just 1 tonne of sugar beet, marking a 73.0% year-on-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports dropped by 100%, with a compound annual growth rate of -96.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia was by far the main destination for Serbia's sugar beet exports, accounting for 99.9% of the total volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Serbia's sugar beet exports in value terms declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 0.3 thousand US dollars worth of sugar beet, showing a dramatic reduction of 73.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 100%, equating to an average annual decline of 94.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia's sugar beet exports in value terms were almost entirely concentrated in Croatia, which accounted for 99.4% of the total.

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

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

Imports sugar beet to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import market structure was highly concentrated, with Spain alone responsible for 98.0% of total sugar beet imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the almost exclusive supplier of sugar beet to Serbia, accounting for 99.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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