Sugars and sugar derivatives market in Denmark

Earlier Report Observations

The market for chemically pure sugars and derivatives in Denmark expanded significantly from 546 t in 2018 to 960 t in 2020. Domestic production rose from 4 856 t to 5 488 t over the same period, although in 2018 the sector faced a weakened agricultural economy that constrained sugar beet supply – a key raw material for local sugar mills in Nykøbing and Nakskov.

By 2024, the chemical industry, including sugar derivatives, recorded a 7.1% production decline, reflecting market challenges compounded by global price volatility and climate-related impacts on raw material markets. Concurrently, by 2025, heightened consumer focus on health and sustainability began shifting demand patterns, while political emphasis on ecology started influencing regulatory discussions for the sugar industry.

Production sugars and sugar derivatives in Denmark

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2021, Denmark's output of sugars and sugar derivatives was valued at 71 774 thousand US dollars, marking an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 37.6%, which translates to an annualized rate of 11.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 31.5%, while the most significant decline was recorded in 2020, at 6.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, t

In 2021, Denmark produced 5 441 tonnes of sugars and sugar derivatives, representing a slight decrease of 0.9% from the year before. Between 2018 and 2021, overall production rose by 12.1%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 3.9%. The highest production level was achieved in 2019, at 5 488 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 13.0%. The most notable decline was in 2020, also at 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports sugars and sugar derivatives from Denmark

Exports in kind, t

In 2021, Denmark's exports of sugars and sugar derivatives reached 7 002 tonnes, showing a robust increase of 24.4% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 41.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2020, at 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Denmark's sugars and sugar derivatives were exported to a diverse range of markets. The United States accounted for 25.2% of exports in kind, Belgium for 10.5%, and India for 6.8%, together making up 42.5% of total exports. The remaining 57.5% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for Denmark's sugars and sugar derivatives exports experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2021, export volume amounted to 77 770 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-on-year increase of 25.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 128.8%, while the most significant decline occurred in 2020, at 11.4%. Overall, there was a 2.5-fold variation between the peak in 2021 and the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium led as the top buyer of Denmark's sugars and sugar derivatives in value terms, accounting for 61.8% of exports. The United States followed with 8.2%, and Germany with 3.0%. Together, these three countries represented 73.0% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Denmark in value, 2018-2021

Imports sugars and sugar derivatives to Denmark

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Denmark's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives declined in 2021, totaling 1 059 tonnes, down 7.6% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 67.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7%. The highest import level was recorded in 2020, at 1 146 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 38.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Germany was the leading source for Denmark's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives in kind, representing 31.6% of the total. Austria accounted for 24.8%, and China for 18.1%. Combined, these three partners made up 74.5% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Denmark in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes in Denmark's import market for sugars and sugar derivatives, reflecting a volatile environment. In 2021, import volumes totaled 10 740 thousand US dollars, showing a slight drop of 1.3% compared to 2020. The highest import value was recorded in 2019, at 14 623 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 190.8%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020, at 25.6%. Overall, there was a 2.9-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States was the primary source for Denmark's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives in value terms, accounting for 23.7%. Czechia followed with 17.7%, and Germany with 16.1%. Together, these three countries represented 57.5% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Denmark in value, 2018-2021