Barley market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the barley market volume in Czechia increased from 1 316 thousand tonnes to 1 594 thousand tonnes. This growth was supported by favorable macroeconomic conditions, including strong global economic growth, low inflation, and supportive monetary policy, which contributed to market stability. Additionally, a stable labor market and rising industrial production within the country bolstered demand for agricultural commodities.

The market then contracted to 1 481 thousand tonnes in 2020 and fell further to 1 232 thousand tonnes in 2021. A key driver of this decline was the implementation of credit moratoria, which constrained financing for agricultural producers, affecting their operational capabilities and investment decisions. Even as the economy began a gradual recovery, the ongoing impact of these moratoria continued to pressure the market.

In 2022, the market rebounded to 1 527 thousand tonnes. This recovery was facilitated by a strong domestic labor market, which improved the availability of farm labor, alongside growing volumes of funds in the financial sector that enhanced capital access for agricultural enterprises. However, in 2023, the market volume decreased again to 1 354 thousand tonnes.

Production barley in Czechia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Czechia was one of the world's leading barley producers, ranking 19th globally by production volume.

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Czechia's barley production increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 1 816 K t, which is 5.7% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 606 K t, marking the largest decline of 6.2% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 7.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, barley production in Czechia declined in 2020, with output valued at 326.5 M $ US, a significant decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 365.3 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 11.3%.

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

Exports barley from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, barley exports from Czechia increased in 2020, reaching 381.4 K t, up by 60.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 26.6%, averaging an annual decline of 9.8%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 237.9 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 36.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Poland, and Slovakia were the main markets for Czechia's barley exports in kind, accounting for 57.1%, 15.9%, and 15.3% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 88.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year fall, cross-border shipments of barley from Czechia increased in 2020, with exports amounting to 68 553 K $ US, reflecting a 35.5% advance compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 25.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 50 580 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 35.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland led the structure of Czechia's barley exports in value terms, with shares of 53.7%, 19.8%, and 14.5%, respectively. Together, these countries accounted for 87.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment for barley imports into Czechia. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, import volumes dropped to 46.6 K t, down by 59.0% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 113.7 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 91.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, France, and Slovakia were the largest suppliers of barley to Czechia in kind, with shares of 32.1%, 22.3%, and 19.0%, respectively. Together, these three countries formed 73.4% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their highest point in 2018 and their lowest in 2020, with a two-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Czechia imported a total of 10 393 K $ US of barley, constituting a decrease of 49.9% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 21 120 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 102.7%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany formed the key group of partners for Czechia's barley imports in value terms, with shares of 32.7%, 16.9%, and 14.6%, respectively. Jointly, these countries represented 64.2% of total import flows.

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

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