Barley market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market volume in Asia increased from 42.4 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 47.5 million tons in 2020, largely due to strengthened trade ties between Australia and China through technical seminars on barley quality and the introduction of new high-yielding varieties in India. Thereafter, the market experienced significant volatility, dropping to 38.8 million tons in 2022 amid reduced imports, before recovering to 43.9 million tons in 2023.

A key regulatory change was China's removal of anti-dumping tariffs on Australian barley in 2022, which subsequently improved market access. Concurrently, rising demand for malting barley from craft brewing and the launch of new products such as high-fiber barley flour expanded consumption segments. Sustainable farming practices and government investments in barley research in North America also influenced global supply, affecting the Asian market.

In 2023, the market recovered, supported by steady demand from the food and brewing industries and the adaptation of supply chains to global challenges. By 2024, barley imports into Asia remained at a high level, reflecting continued reliance on international trade, particularly from Australia.

Production barley in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in Asia has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 25 943 K t of barley, representing a slight rise of 1.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 26.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20 500 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 0.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, barley production in Asia declined in value terms. In 2020, the output of barley was valued at 6 388 M $ US in Asia, marking a modest decrease of 8.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 43.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 963 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 26.0%.

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

Exports barley from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2 times. In 2020, barley shipments from Asia to abroad totaled 1 063 K t, down by 15.9% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 541 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 18.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 104.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Free Zones and Russia formed the core group of markets for barley exports in kind, jointly accounting for 6.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.6-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Asia's volume of barley exports totaled 262 M $ US, marking a substantial reduction of 23.9% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 421 M $ US. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 159.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading roles in barley exports from Asia in value terms belonged to Free Zones and Russia, which jointly accounted for 6.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, barley imports into Asia increased. In 2020, the import volume amounted to 22 583 K t, which is 17.3% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 9.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 19 257 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 17.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (24.1% of imports in kind), Russia (15.7% of imports in kind), and Ukraine (13.3% of imports in kind) formed the main cluster of markets for barley imports in kind, with a combined share of 53.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of barley into Asia stood at 5 126 M $ US, corresponding to a modest gain of 6.9% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 796 M $ US, while the maximum value was in 2018 at 5 449 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 12.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018, at 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia (24.7% of imports in value terms), Russia (14.9% of imports in value terms), and Ukraine (12.6% of imports in value terms) formed the main cluster of markets for barley imports in value terms, with a combined share of 52.2% of total flows.

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

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