Barley market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market in Colombia opened the period with a volume of 331.9 thousand tons in 2018, heavily reliant on imports which reached 321.9 thousand tons that year. Domestic production remained limited at 10.0 thousand tons, but saw an initiative by Bavaria to revive local cultivation through a new malting barley complex in Boyacá, aiming to reduce import dependency. Market volume then dipped to 325.1 thousand tons in 2019 before recovering to 342.5 thousand tons in 2020.

Between 2021 and 2022, market volume stabilized around 342 thousand tons, with a slight decrease to 339.5 thousand tons in 2022. During this time, growing demand for malted barley from the expanding craft beer and whisky segments supported market activity, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards specialty beverages.

In 2023, the market volume rose significantly to 362.3 thousand tons, the highest level in the observed period. This expansion was accompanied by a reported 21% increase in barley sowing area for 2024, indicating renewed agricultural focus despite challenges like high production costs. Global geopolitical tensions, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, also affected barley supply chains and prices, influencing Colombia's import-dependent market.

Production barley in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

The barley market in Colombia experienced significant volatility during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a dramatic 81.6% increase. The maximum production volume was recorded in 2018 at 10 004 t. In 2020, production dropped sharply to 6 151 t, representing a 27.9% year-over-year decline. Overall, the market showed a 1.8-fold swing between the peak and trough years.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports barley from Colombia

Exports in kind, K t

Colombia's barley exports remained at 0.0 K t in 2019, unchanged from 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, exports increased by 126.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 31.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, barley exports from Colombia were concentrated in just two markets: the United Kingdom and Aruba. Together, these two countries accounted for 100.0% of Colombia's barley exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Colombia's barley export value stood at 0.1 K $ US in 2019, showing no change from 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, export value increased by 11%, representing an annualized growth rate of 3.5%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United Kingdom and Aruba continued to be the primary buyers of Colombian barley. Their combined share represented 100.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports barley to Colombia

Imports in kind, K t

Colombia imported 336.3 K t of barley in 2020, representing a 6.2% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 14.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 1.7% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 9.8%.

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

Argentina dominated Colombia's barley import structure throughout 2017-2020, accounting for 95.5% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Colombia's barley import value reached approximately 93 811 K $ US in 2020, declining by 5.9% compared to 2019. This followed two consecutive years of growth. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 26.8%, representing an annualized growth rate of 8.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 99 695 K $ US, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 23.4%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Argentina remained the dominant source for Colombia's barley imports in value terms, accounting for 95.7% of total import value.

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

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