Barley market in Ireland, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market volume in Ireland varied between 1.5 million and 1.7 million tons from 2018 to 2023. After a stable period around 1.56 million tons in 2018-2019, the market contracted to 1.52 million tons in 2020 before recovering to a peak of 1.70 million tons in 2022. The following year saw a decline to 1.48 million tons in 2023.

Domestic production showed similar volatility, rising from 1.18 million tons in 2018 to 1.55 million tons in 2022, then falling to 1.22 million tons in 2023. Imports and exports remained relatively modest, with imports typically ranging from 138 to 275 thousand tons annually, except for a significant increase in 2024.

In 2024, barley imports surged to 528 thousand tons as the average import price fell by 24.4% to $225 per ton, reflecting adaptation to global market trends. Global barley consumption is led by Russia, China, and Germany, while production is dominated by Russia, Australia, and France, influencing Ireland's trade dynamics.

Production barley in Ireland

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland ranked 25th globally in barley production volume.

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ireland produced 1 347 K t of barley, marking an 8.9% decrease from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 3.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 182 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 21.5% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 25.2% rise.

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

Exports barley from Ireland

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with a 3.7-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2020, barley exports from Ireland totaled 40.4 K t, representing a steep 26.9% decline compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 14.9 K t in 2018, and the maximum was 55.3 K t in 2019. The largest decline was 47.9% in 2018, while the largest increase was 272.0% in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the geographical pattern of barley exports in kind showed a strong reliance on the United Kingdom, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms varied by 2.5 times, with the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2020. In 2020, barley exports from Ireland amounted to 8 791 K US dollars, showing a robust 13.0% increase over the previous year. The lowest value was 3 483 K US dollars in 2018. The largest decline was 38.9% in 2018, and the largest increase was 123.4% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, barley exports in value terms from Ireland were highly concentrated on the United Kingdom, which represented 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Ireland

Imports in kind, K t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports varied by 2.9 times, with the low in 2019 and the high in 2018. In 2020, Ireland imported 210.2 K t of barley, reflecting a 51.7% gain over the past year. The minimum value was 138.5 K t in 2019, and the maximum was 400.3 K t in 2018. The largest decline was 65.4% in 2019, while the largest increase was 120.6% in 2018.

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

In the period 2017–2020, the United Kingdom played a leading role in barley imports in kind to Ireland, with a share of 82.9% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports in value terms showed a 2.9-fold variation, with the trough in 2019 and the peak in 2018. In 2020, barley imports to Ireland amounted to 50 848 K US dollars, marking a sharp 56.2% gain compared to the previous year. The minimum value was 32 558 K US dollars in 2019, and the maximum was 95 434 K US dollars in 2018. The largest decline was 65.9% in 2019, and the largest increase was 184.8% in 2018.

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

Over 2017–2020, the United Kingdom was the dominant supplier of barley to Ireland in value terms, accounting for 79.8% of total imports, with other countries sharing the remaining volume.

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

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