Barley market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

Hungarian barley production showed a clear upward trend from 2018 to 2023, rising from 1.15 million tons to 2.22 million tons. The domestic market volume experienced significant volatility, dropping to 683 thousand tons in 2020 before recovering and stabilizing above 1.1 million tons from 2022 onward.

A key driver in 2021 was increased demand for feed barley due to a weak corn harvest in the region, which supported prices and encouraged production growth. The following year, drought conditions and seed shortages in Eastern and Southern Europe constrained output, but sustained feed demand linked to corn market difficulties helped maintain domestic market volume despite the production dip.

In 2023, production surged to 2.22 million tons, likely driven by an expansion of sown area in response to previously high prices, even as local drought impacted parts of the country. This additional output was largely exported, resulting in a stabilized domestic market volume of 1.11 million tons.

Production barley in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Hungary ranked 22nd globally in barley production between 2018 and 2021.

Top producers of barley, 2018-2021

World map of production of barley, 2018-2021

Barley production in Hungary grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 1 712 thousand tonnes of barley, marking a significant 15.3% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 49.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Hungary's barley output was valued at 370.3 million US dollars, a 46.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value grew by 72.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.9%. The only decline occurred in 2020, when it dropped by 0.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports barley from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Barley exports from Hungary showed notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 420.1 thousand tonnes, while exports peaked in 2020 at 831.5 thousand tonnes, representing a two-fold difference. In 2021, exports stood at 805.1 thousand tonnes, a 3.2% decrease from 2020. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.0% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2020 with a 97.9% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Italy, and Austria remained Hungary's main barley buyers by volume. Romania accounted for 43.2% of exports, Italy for 31.4%, and Austria for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 88.4% of Hungary's total barley exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's barley export values experienced considerable volatility. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 76.7 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2021 at 174.1 million US dollars, a 2.3-fold increase. In 2021, export value rose by 23.2% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was in 2019 with a 10.4% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2020 with an 84.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Italy, and Austria consistently led as Hungary's top barley export markets by value. Romania represented 40.9% of export value, Italy 31.9%, and Austria 14.1%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 86.9% of Hungary's total barley export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports barley to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

Hungary's barley imports grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country imported 1 712 thousand tonnes of barley, a dramatic 57.9% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, import volumes surged by 355%, with a compound annual growth rate of 65.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Austria, and Serbia were Hungary's primary barley suppliers by volume. Slovakia accounted for 50.2% of imports, Austria for 13.5%, and Serbia for 10.4%. Together, these three countries represented 74.2% of Hungary's total barley imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Hungary's barley import values increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 9.6 million US dollars, a sharp 75.3% rise year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import values grew by 279.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 55.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Slovakia, Austria, and Serbia were the main suppliers of barley to Hungary by value. Slovakia accounted for 44.3% of import value, Austria for 15.0%, and Serbia for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 71.1% of Hungary's total barley import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021