Sugars and sugar derivatives market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, the abolition of EU sugar production quotas and the implementation of the common market organization under Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 liberalized trade, removing protective measures and facilitating increased imports of sugars and derivatives into Spain. This regulatory shift established a new market framework with tariff protections and surveillance mechanisms, which helped structure the inflow of goods. Subsequently, a 2019 agreement between Spanish authorities and major distributors to reduce sugar content in foods like yogurts and children's cereals, along with a 2020 comprehensive plan for healthy eating that advanced labeling and advertising rules, began to influence consumer demand and product formulation within the market.

During 2021 to 2024, the continued application of EU market management measures maintained regulatory stability. Imports rose steadily, driving market growth in both volume and value terms. The market size in physical terms increased from 18 639 t in 2022 to 23 152 t in 2024, while in value it grew from $56.4 million to $64.3 million over the same period, reflecting sustained demand amid a landscape shaped by earlier liberalization and ongoing public health initiatives.

Production sugars and sugar derivatives in Spain

According to Faostat, there is no production of sugars and sugar derivatives in Spain.

Exports sugars and sugar derivatives from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Spain's exports of sugars and sugar derivatives have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country shipped 796 tonnes, marking a significant 22.9% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 153.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 36.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and Portugal were the leading destinations for Spain's exports in kind, together accounting for 80.9% of the total volume. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of Spain's sugar and sugar derivative exports has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 916 thousand US dollars, up 18.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 162.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 38.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Spain's exports in value terms were Germany, the United States, and Nigeria. Together, they represented 80.9% of the total export flows.

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

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

Imports sugars and sugar derivatives to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Spain's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives rebounded. In 2020, imports stood at 17 645 tonnes, showing a modest increase of 5.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.2%, with an average annual decline of 1.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 16 698 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 6.9% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and China were the main suppliers of sugars and sugar derivatives to Spain in kind. France accounted for 38.3% of imports, Germany for 24.6%, and China for 13.9%, together making up 76.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, Spain's imports of sugars and sugar derivatives in value terms picked up. In 2020, imports totaled 34 247 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate 4.8% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value fell by 14.0%, with a compound annual decline of 4.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 32 672 thousand US dollars, and the largest decrease was in 2018 at 10.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, Germany, and China were the top three markets for Spain's imports in value terms, collectively representing 69.4% of the total import value for sugars and sugar derivatives.

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

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