Barley market in Greece

Earlier Report Observations

Greek barley production expanded steadily from 2018 to 2020, reaching 399 thousand tons. This growth was driven by the entry of new small and medium producers and the launch of improved disease-resistant barley varieties. Legislative changes supporting agricultural production and farmer policies aimed at boosting exports further stimulated output. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 strengthened the role of state-owned companies and disrupted distribution channels, while consumer demand shifted towards local and safe products.

Market volume fluctuated after 2020, peaking at 477 thousand tons in 2021 despite a drop in production, as imports surged to 148 thousand tons. During this period, policies promoted digitalization and export promotion for Greek agricultural products. Production stabilized around 323-363 thousand tons in 2022-2023, with continued innovation from new players and legislative focus on sustainability, producer protection, and evolving labeling requirements.

By 2023, market volume settled at 434 thousand tons. Import data for early 2024 shows a rise to 128 thousand tons, indicating ongoing adjustments in supply chains. Throughout the period, consumer preferences for traceable and organic barley remained influential.

Production barley in Greece

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Greece's barley production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 398.7 thousand tons of barley, marking an 8.8% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.9%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 344.6 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 8.5% occurring that same year.

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

Exports barley from Greece

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Import levels varied dramatically, with an 8.7-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Greece exported 10.9 thousand tons of barley, representing a substantial increase of 765.3% compared to the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1.3 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 31.9% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Greece's barley exports were Cyprus, Israel, and Malta. Cyprus accounted for 47.1% of exports, Israel for 17.4%, and Malta for 14.0%. Together, these three countries represented 78.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout this period. Import values fluctuated significantly, with a 4.5-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Greece's barley exports reached 2 034 thousand US dollars, showing a 345.4% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 457 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 21.5% occurring that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Cyprus, Italy, and Israel consistently led as the top destinations for Greece's barley exports in value terms. Cyprus accounted for 43.7% of export value, Italy for 21.8%, and Israel for 13.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 78.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Greece

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece imported 48.3 thousand tons of barley, representing a 48.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 4.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova were the primary sources for Greece's barley imports. Bulgaria accounted for 38.7% of imports, Romania for 17.0%, and Moldova for 16.6%. Together, these three countries represented 72.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import volumes peaked in 2017 and reached their minimum in 2020, with a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, Greece's barley imports amounted to 9 703 thousand US dollars, indicating a 49.2% decline compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova were the largest suppliers of barley to Greece in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 39.9% of import value, Romania for 16.4%, and Moldova for 15.7%. Together, these three countries formed 72.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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