Sugars and sugar derivatives market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The liberalization of the European sugar market after the EU Sugar Market Organization ended in September 2017 removed production quotas and subsidies, creating a more competitive environment in Germany. This structural change coincided with a steady expansion of the market for chemically pure sugars and derivatives, as growing industrial use in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and bioethanol sectors began to drive additional demand beyond traditional food applications.

Increased sugar beet harvests, such as the near 10% production rise in 2024, bolstered domestic supply. At the same time, geopolitical events raised energy and raw material costs, contributing to higher market values in dollar terms. Public health initiatives like the National Reduction and Innovation Strategy for sugar aimed to curb consumption in finished foods, but the overall market size continued its upward trajectory throughout the period.

Production sugars and sugar derivatives in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Germany's production of sugars and sugar derivatives declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 189.8 million US dollars, representing a moderate 3.1% drop compared to 2019. Over the 2018-2020 period, production decreased by 7.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%.

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

Exports sugars and sugar derivatives from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's cross-border shipments of sugars and sugar derivatives declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 85 446 tonnes, which is 8.7% lower year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 94 161 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 7.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports in kind were distributed across multiple partners without a clear dominant market. Switzerland accounted for 24.5% of exports in kind, Poland for 10.2%, and the United States for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 43.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's foreign supplies of sugars and sugar derivatives declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 206.6 million US dollars, showing a 2.2% decline compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 226.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 8.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's export landscape in value terms was diverse, with no single partner dominating. Switzerland accounted for 14.8% of exports in value terms, the United States for 14.3%, and Poland for 7.6%. Together, these three countries formed only 36.6% of total flows, while the remaining 63.4% was distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports sugars and sugar derivatives to Germany

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Germany's volume of sugars and sugar derivatives imports increased. In 2020, imports registered 5 282 tonnes, corresponding to a 3.4% rise year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.9%, equating to an 8.3% annualized rate. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 110 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 18.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, France, and the United States formed the main cluster of markets for Germany's imports in kind. China accounted for 29.8% of imports in kind, France for 20.6%, and the United States for 18.2%. Together, these three countries represented 68.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, Germany's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 54.9 million US dollars, up by 21.4% versus the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 5.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 45.2 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 15.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and France remained the main markets for Germany's imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 29.8% of imports in value terms, China for 27.6%, and France for 10.2%. Jointly, these three countries took 67.5% of total import flows.

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

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