Barley market in Azerbaijan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the barley market in Azerbaijan expanded consistently, with volume rising from 888 thousand tons to nearly 1.1 million tons. This growth was underpinned by increasing domestic production, which exceeded 1 million tons in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused logistics and supply chain disruptions, yet the market continued to grow as imports surged to compensate. In 2021, higher state purchase prices in neighboring markets likely encouraged trade flows and supported local market activity.

The market volume dipped to 1.06 million tons in 2022, primarily due to drought and adverse climate conditions that reduced the barley harvest. Production fell, and imports dropped sharply. However, in 2023, the market recovered to 1.09 million tons, aided by a significant increase in imports that offset moderate production levels.

Throughout the period, state-influenced pricing mechanisms played a role in market stability, while shifting consumer preferences toward healthy and natural products helped sustain demand for barley used in food applications.

Production barley in Azerbaijan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Azerbaijan ranked as the 29th largest producer of barley from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of barley, 2018-2021

World map of production of barley, 2018-2021

Barley production in Azerbaijan grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 117 thousand tonnes of barley, marking a 12.5% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 21.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports barley from Azerbaijan

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan exported 36 359 tonnes of barley, representing a sharp decline of 62.3% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Iraq was the primary destination for Azerbaijan's barley exports, accounting for 73.0% of the total volume in kind. The remaining exports were distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export values hit their low in 2019 and their high in 2018, with a 2.9-fold variation between these points. In 2021, Azerbaijan's barley exports amounted to 7 116 thousand US dollars, showing a significant drop of 65.2% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Iraq dominated Azerbaijan's barley exports in value terms, making up 73.0% of the total. The rest was shared among various smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021

Imports barley to Azerbaijan

Imports in kind, t

The market saw notable fluctuations during the period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2021, Azerbaijan imported 15 700 tonnes of barley, indicating a steep decline of 72.1% compared to 2020. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 14 160 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2020 at 56 284 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 297.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018–2021, Russia was the leading source for Azerbaijan's barley imports in kind, holding an 89.0% share of total flows. Other markets accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import values bottomed in 2018 and peaked in 2020, differing by four times. In 2021, Azerbaijan imported barley worth 3 871 thousand US dollars, down by 62.6% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 10 343 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 239.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Russia remained the main market for Azerbaijan's barley imports in value terms, with a share of 85.3% of total flows. The rest was fragmented across numerous other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Azerbaijan in value, 2018-2021