Undenatured ethyl alcohol with ABV of ≥80% market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

The Swedish market for undenatured ethyl alcohol with at least 80% alcohol by volume experienced notable shifts from 2019 to 2024. After a slight decline to $337 million in 2020, market value jumped to $487 million in 2021 and reached $543 million in 2022. This upward trend was partly driven by legislative proposals designed to create better conditions for small-scale alcohol production, encouraging sector activity. In contrast, the market dropped sharply to $342 million in 2024, primarily due to ongoing regulatory hurdles that prevent the sale of pure ethanol (E100) as a vehicle fuel because of unresolved denaturation requirements, coupled with rising competition from imported ethanol.

Sweden's domestic ethanol industry, spearheaded by producer Lantmännen Agroetanol, has emphasized high-quality output with climate benefits exceeding EU standards. However, the market is tightly regulated under the Alcohol Act (Alkohollagen), which grants a monopoly to Systembolaget and authorized wholesalers for import and distribution. For technical and disinfectant applications, the Public Health Agency enforces strict denaturation rules to curb misuse, shaping product availability and formulation.

Throughout the period, public health authorities updated guidelines on alcohol risk consumption, which may have influenced broader alcohol demand. By 2024, regulatory discussions included potential EU-wide classification of ethanol as a carcinogen and new labeling initiatives, indicating future compliance changes. The absence of approved denaturants for E100 continued to limit the development of ethanol as a renewable fuel, constraining market expansion in that segment.

Production undenatured ethyl alcohol with ABV of ≥80% in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Sweden's output of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher was valued at 254.7 million US dollars, marking an 8.9% increase compared to 2019.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, M l

In 2020, Sweden produced 282.9 million liters of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, M l

Exports undenatured ethyl alcohol with ABV of ≥80% from Sweden

Exports in kind, M l

Sweden's exports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume reached 238.8 million liters, showing a strong rise of 11.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 15.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 189.8 million liters, which also saw the largest decline of 7.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 13.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States were the principal destinations for Sweden's exports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher. Germany accounted for 61.4% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 18.6%, and the United States for 7.9%, together representing 87.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sweden's exports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 185.9 million US dollars, up by 10.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 134.6 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 12.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 25.2% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States formed the core group of markets for Sweden's exports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher in value terms. Germany accounted for 57.6% of exports in value, the Netherlands for 17.5%, and the United States for 9.7%, together representing 84.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports undenatured ethyl alcohol with ABV of ≥80% to Sweden

Imports in kind, M l

After a two-year increase, Sweden's imports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 336.1 million liters, representing a 7.7% drop year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 364.0 million liters, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 12.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Sweden in kind, 2017-2020, M l

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Russia, and the United Kingdom were the main sources for Sweden's imports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 26.1% of imports in kind, Russia for 20.6%, and the United Kingdom for 16.8%, together comprising 63.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year increase, Sweden's imports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher declined in value. In 2020, imports stood at 268.3 million US dollars, equivalent to a decrease of 7.9% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 39.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 291.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 37.1%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Russia accounted for the largest share of Sweden's imports of undenatured ethyl alcohol with an ABV of 80% or higher in value terms. The Netherlands represented 25.6% of imports in value, the United Kingdom 15.6%, and Russia 15.3%, together comprising 56.5% of total import flows.

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

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