Barley market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market volume in the CIS increased from 16.7 million t in 2018 to 22.7 million t in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by a significant expansion of sown areas in 2019, which boosted production. Concurrently, domestic demand remained robust, and export activity was supported by currency depreciation that enhanced competitiveness.

In 2021, market volume fell to 19.0 million t as reduced harvest yields curtailed production. The following year saw a sharp rebound to 27.6 million t. A record barley harvest increased supply, while a decrease in export volumes and heightened domestic demand—amplified by sanctions and import substitution policies—expanded the internal market.

The market contracted again in 2023, dropping to 21.0 million t. Strong export demand from China and Tunisia diverted supply overseas, and lower yields limited production, tightening domestic availability.

Production barley in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in the CIS has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the CIS produced 27 984 K t of barley, which is 2.1% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, translating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 23 773 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 12.6%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 15.2% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Barley production in the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 342 M $ US, showing minimal change compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 24.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

Exports barley from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the CIS exported 5 637 K t of barley, marking a 2.5% increase from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 498 K t, which saw the largest decline of 24.0%. The highest export volume occurred in 2018 at 7 234 K t, with the largest increase of 27.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main markets for barley exports in kind were Iran, accounting for 31.9% of exports, Saudi Arabia with 31.7%, and Jordan at 7.3%. Together, these three countries formed a cluster representing 70.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of barley exports from the CIS amounted to 1 076 M $ US, showing little change compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 20.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 343 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 50.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for barley exports in value terms were Saudi Arabia, representing 32.3% of exports, Iran with 31.5%, and Jordan at 7.8%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 71.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Barley imports into the CIS have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 328 K t, up by 32.3% year-over-year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 4.6%, translating to an annualized decline of 1.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 194 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 43.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for barley imports in kind were Ukraine, Denmark, and Sweden, which together accounted for 21.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of barley imports into the CIS came to 79 M $ US, representing a 3.5% decline from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 53 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 30.7%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 82 M $ US, with the largest increase of 56.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, there was no single dominant market for barley imports in value terms. Denmark accounted for 12.2% of imports, Ukraine for 7.9%, and Sweden for 4.4%, together representing only 24.4% of total imports. Many smaller partners each held modest individual shares.

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

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