HS Code:
Beet sugar, classified under HS Code 1701.12, refers to raw sugar extracted from sugar beets, primarily used as a sweetener in food and beverage industries. It is a key agricultural commodity in temperate regions where sugar beets are cultivated, serving as an alternative to cane sugar. The global trade of beet sugar is influenced by agricultural policies, climatic conditions, and regional production capacities.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 5.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and International Sugar Organization
1.1 million metric tons
21% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.9 million metric tons
17% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.7 million metric tons
13% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
0.5 million metric tons
10% of total trade of total trade
Stable
0.4 million metric tons
8% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
15% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (imposed by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU internal market)
Shift towards sustainable production
Increased demand for beet sugar produced with lower carbon footprints, influencing European exporters to adopt greener technologies
2021-2022
Rising competition from cane sugar
Beet sugar faces pricing pressure from cane sugar in tropical regions due to lower production costs, affecting market share in certain regions
2020-2022
Policy changes in the EU
Abolition of sugar quotas in the EU has led to higher production and export volumes, particularly from France and Germany
2017-2022
Post-quota production increases in the EU have led to a surplus of beet sugar, prompting higher export volumes to non-EU countries.
Mid-2022
Strengthened position of EU countries like France and Germany in global markets, though it has led to price volatility in some importing nations.
Russia has invested in beet sugar production infrastructure, boosting its export capacity to neighboring countries and the Middle East.
Early 2023
Increased competition for traditional exporters, potentially reshaping trade flows in the Eurasian region.
The United States revised tariff-rate quotas for sugar imports to balance domestic production with demand, affecting beet sugar imports.
Late 2022
Limited market access for foreign beet sugar exporters, encouraging domestic production and alternative sweeteners.