Barley market in Bulgaria

Earlier Report Observations

Bulgaria's barley market volume experienced significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. A notable 50% growth to 297.6 thousand tons in 2019 was supported by stable demand for barley as a component in animal feed mixtures. However, the market contracted by 23% to 229.4 thousand tons in 2020, coinciding with the introduction of a new Food Act that tightened labeling and traceability rules, alongside increased price volatility for fertilizers and input resources.

The market recovered to 274.7 thousand tons in 2021 amid ongoing food inflation pressuring consumer spending. A dramatic 65% surge to 453.9 thousand tons followed in 2022. This increase was partly driven by rising imports of cheaper grain products, including from Ukraine, which offset a decline in domestic production caused by a severe fertilizer price shock and higher energy costs.

In 2023, the market volume fell by 40% to 272.9 thousand tons. This decline occurred alongside persistently high energy and transport costs, which raised production expenses, and the implementation of new EU traceability requirements mandating an electronic register for grain batches. By 2024, market dynamics were being shaped by the expanding role of large retail chains in grain distribution and continued improvements to logistical infrastructure under state-supported programs.

Production barley in Bulgaria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Bulgaria's barley production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 566.3 K t of barley, representing a slight gain of 0.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 4.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 448.7 K t, marking the largest decline of 24.6% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 25.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Bulgaria's barley production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 111.2 M $ US, up by 6.6% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 94.7 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 9.4%. The following year, 2019, experienced the largest increase of 10.3%.

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

Exports barley from Bulgaria

Exports in kind, K t

Barley exports from Bulgaria have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 337.5 K t, marking a dramatic advance of 26.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 7.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 251.0 K t, which saw the largest decline of 20.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Libya, Greece, and Spain were the main markets for Bulgaria's barley exports in kind. Libya accounted for 21.6% of exports, Greece for 19.4%, and Spain for 14.8%. Together, these three countries represented 55.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, barley exports from Bulgaria have increased. In 2020, exports amounted to 66 280 K $ US, marking a steep rise of 33.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 20.1%, with an annualized growth rate of 6.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 49 542 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 6.4%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, Libya, Greece, and Spain consistently led in the value structure of Bulgaria's barley exports. Libya accounted for 23.6% of exports in value terms, Greece for 20.1%, and Spain for 12.9%. Collectively, these three markets represented 56.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Bulgaria

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports dropped to their minimum in 2018 at 0.4 K t and climbed to their maximum in 2017, showing a 20-fold shift between these years. In 2020, barley imports to Bulgaria amounted to 0.5 K t, marking a sharp drop of 69.5% compared with 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 95.0%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 310.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France dominated Bulgaria's barley imports in kind, accounting for 75.2% of total imports. The remaining flows were distributed among multiple smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports bottomed in 2018 at 328 K $ US and peaked in 2017, differing by 5.7 times. In 2020, imported barley volumes in Bulgaria amounted to 406 K $ US, reflecting a steep decrease of 43.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 82.4%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 119.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, France, Hungary, and Romania were the key partners in Bulgaria's barley imports in value terms. France accounted for 57.7% of imports, Hungary for 14.1%, and Romania for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 82.5% of total import flows.

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

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