Vegetable or animal colouring matter market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Belgian market for vegetable or animal colouring matter contracted in volume terms, falling from 2 002 t to 1 193 t. This decline was most pronounced in 2019. In contrast, the market's value showed greater resilience, decreasing only moderately before recovering to USD 15.1 million by 2021. This divergence suggests a move within the market toward products with a higher unit value over the period.

Domestic production declined steadily from 77 t in 2018 to 62 t in 2021. Import volumes fluctuated significantly, dropping sharply in 2019 before partially recovering. Export volumes presented a shifting pattern, rising to a peak in 2021 before a steep and sustained decline in the following years, indicating a major reduction in Belgium's outbound trade flows for these products from 2022 onward.

In 2023, broader European trends influenced the market. Increased consumer demand for natural colorants, driven by preferences for clean-label and vegan products, supported import volumes. Simultaneously, global factors such as rising prices for vegetable raw materials and supply chain pressures contributed to the evolving trade environment and likely affected product values.

Production vegetable or animal colouring matter in Belgium

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Belgium's production of vegetable or animal colouring matter showed mixed trends in recent years. After two consecutive years of decline, output increased in 2020 to reach 1 501 K $ US, marking a slight 2.5% rise from 2019. However, looking at the broader 2017-2020 period, production fell by 25.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 9.3%. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 1 464 K $ US, when production dropped by 15.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

In 2020, Belgium produced 65 458 kg of vegetable or animal colouring matter, representing a significant 20.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 19.6%, with an average annual reduction of 7.0%. The highest output was recorded in 2019 at 82 585 kg, when production increased by 6.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Belgium in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Exports vegetable or animal colouring matter from Belgium

Exports in kind, t

Belgium's exports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in kind reached 809 t in 2020, up by 1.9% from 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 794 t, which marked a 3.2% decline. The peak occurred in 2018 at 820 t.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Poland were the primary destinations for Belgium's exports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in kind. France accounted for 48.5% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.7%, and Poland for 12.2%, together making up 74.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium's exports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in value terms amounted to 9 812 K $ US, showing a notable 20.5% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 11.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 141 K $ US, when exports fell by 13.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Germany remained the key markets for Belgium's exports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in value terms. France represented 36.2% of exports, the Netherlands 20.6%, and Germany 10.8%, collectively accounting for 67.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports vegetable or animal colouring matter to Belgium

Imports in kind, t

Belgium's imports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in kind stood at 2 105 t in 2020, up by 9.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 21.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2 745 t, which saw a 58.6% increase. In contrast, imports dropped by 29.7% in 2019.

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

An analysis of imports in kind from 2017 to 2020 reveals a diverse distribution across multiple markets. The Netherlands accounted for 19.7% of imports, Italy for 15.2%, and Ireland for 13.5%, together making up 48.4% of total flows. The remaining 51.6% was spread among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Belgium imported 23 075 K $ US worth of vegetable or animal colouring matter, representing a 9.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 21 086 K $ US, when imports declined by 12.4%. The peak occurred in 2018 at 24 067 K $ US, with a 9.9% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Germany were the main partners for Belgium's imports of vegetable or animal colouring matter in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 24.4% of imports, Ireland for 18.1%, and Germany for 14.8%, together representing 57.3% of total import value.

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

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