Barley market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Barley production in France showed considerable swings from 2018 to 2020. A severe drought across Europe in 2018 constrained yields, tightening supply and driving up prices. However, output jumped to 13.6 million tonnes in 2019, boosted by export opportunities created by the US-China trade war. The market then contracted sharply in 2020, with production falling to 10.3 million tonnes and market volume dropping to 3.6 million tonnes, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and demand.

The market rebounded from 2021 onward. Production recovered to 11.3 million tonnes in 2021, stimulated by higher barley prices linked to adverse weather and volatile global demand. Output stabilized at 11.3 million tonnes in 2022 amid favorable price conditions and a worldwide deficit in malting barley, while a record surge in new business creations in France facilitated the entry of new players into the agricultural sector. By 2023, production rose to 12.1 million tonnes, supported by expanded winter barley acreage and improved yields, despite challenging rainfall patterns during the growing season.

In 2024, factors such as revised sowing areas for barley and lower grain prices continued to influence the market environment, alongside ongoing public-supported investments in agricultural infrastructure modernization.

Production barley in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France held the second position globally in barley production.

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, France produced 10,277 thousand tonnes of barley, marking a 24.2% decline compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 15%, which translates to an annualized rate of 5.3%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 13,565 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 22.8% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, France's barley production experienced a downturn. In 2020, the output was valued at 2,206 million US dollars, reflecting a 23.0% decrease from the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 2.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2,866 million US dollars, accompanied by the largest increase of 28.0% that same year.

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

Exports barley from France

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of expansion, barley exports from France saw a decline. In 2020, France exported 6,776 thousand tonnes of barley, down by 5.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.9%, representing an annualized rate of 6.2%. The maximum volume was achieved in 2019 at 7,173 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase of 16.0% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, China, and the Netherlands were the top buyers of barley from France, accounting for 23.4%, 15.5%, and 13.8% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 52.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, France's barley export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1,454 million US dollars, a 4.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 44.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1,515 million US dollars, and the largest increase of 31.9% took place in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, China, and the Netherlands were the leading markets for France's barley exports in value terms, contributing 23.7%, 15.5%, and 13.3%, respectively. Their combined share reached 52.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's barley import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 66 thousand tonnes, showing a sharp decrease of 28.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 29.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 98 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.5% that year.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom were the primary sources for barley imports to France in kind, representing 21.7%, 15.9%, and 14.2% of imports, respectively. Together, they accounted for 51.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's barley import value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 18 million US dollars, a 21.6% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23%, with a compound annual growth rate of -8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom formed the main cluster of markets for France's barley imports in value terms, with shares of 26.3%, 14.3%, and 13.5%, respectively. Their combined contribution was 54.0% of total import flows.

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

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