Barley market in Georgia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the barley market in Georgia showed considerable volatility, with the market volume peaking at 71 035 tonnes in 2023 after a low of 49 621 tonnes in 2019. The most pronounced expansion occurred in 2020, when the market size grew by 29% to 64 066 tonnes. This surge was primarily driven by a spike in imports, which jumped to 18 909 tonnes that year, offsetting a concurrent decline in domestic production.

Domestic barley production fluctuated between 45 400 tonnes in 2020 and 58 800 tonnes in 2022, recovering from the 2020 dip. Imports played a decisive role in meeting domestic demand, especially in 2020 and 2023 when volumes exceeded 18 000 tonnes. In contrast, exports became negligible after 2020, with minor activity in 2021 and 2022. The market stabilized in 2022 with a volume of 57 126 tonnes, showing only a marginal change from the previous year.

By 2023, the market volume rose sharply by 24% to reach 71 035 tonnes. This increase was supported by high imports of 18 298 tonnes, while domestic output stood at 52 900 tonnes. The overall period highlights the market's reliance on import flows to sustain consumption levels alongside variable domestic harvests.

Production barley in Georgia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in Georgia has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Georgia produced 45 400 tons of barley, marking a significant decrease of 15.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 3.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 57 700 tons, which also saw the largest increase of 31.4%.

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

Exports barley from Georgia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 59-fold difference between these years. In 2020, barley shipments from Georgia totaled 243 tons, representing a sharp decline of 95.4% compared to 2019. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 897 tons, with the largest increase that year at 5 761.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and Armenia were the primary buyers of barley from Georgia, together accounting for 86.2% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among various other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values hit their lowest in 2017 and reached a peak in 2019, with an 89-fold gap between these years. In 2020, the value of barley exports from Georgia was 55 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep decrease of 95.2% compared to 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 1 140 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8 271.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, Iraq and Armenia continued to dominate the export markets in value terms, jointly representing 87.2% of total flows. Other trading partners contributed to the remainder.

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

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

Imports barley to Georgia

Imports in kind, t

The data indicates irregular changes, suggesting a volatile market environment. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2018 and highest in 2020, with a 69-fold difference. In 2020, Georgia imported 274 tons of barley, showing a sharp increase of 1 194.3% compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 274 tons, with the largest decline that year at 83.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import structure in volume was highly concentrated, with Russia alone accounting for 98.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values were lowest in 2018 and highest in 2020, reflecting a 47-fold gap. In 2020, Georgia's barley import value stood at 2 808 thousand US dollars, up by 955.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 59 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 77.9%.

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

In 2017–2020, Russia effectively monopolized barley imports to Georgia in value terms, capturing 94.9% of total flows.

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

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