Barley market in Libya

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, Libya's barley market volume grew from 776.6 thousand tons to over 1 018 thousand tons, a 31% expansion. This increase was primarily fueled by rising imports, which climbed from 706.6 thousand tons to 948.1 thousand tons over the same period. In 2020, ongoing political division, weak support for farmers, and damaging floods in Derna that affected eastern agricultural lands continued to suppress domestic production, reinforcing reliance on imported barley to meet market demand.

The market volume sharply contracted by 24.5% to 769 thousand tons in 2022, driven by a significant drop in imports. Domestic production remained minimal due to persistent farmer reluctance and lack of agricultural support. A recovery followed in 2023, with volume rising to 794.4 thousand tons, supported by a surge in barley imports from Russia. Libya became the second-largest importer of Russian barley, bringing in 733 thousand tons—a 136% increase from the prior period.

Throughout 2018-2023, local barley production was stagnant at approximately 70 thousand tons annually, highlighting deep-seated challenges in the agricultural sector from political instability and inadequate investment. The market's size was therefore predominantly determined by volatile import flows, which responded to external supply opportunities and domestic economic conditions.

Production barley in Libya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Libya's barley production in 2020 remained nearly unchanged from the previous year, holding steady at 70 000 tonnes. Compared to 2019, there was no significant change. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 16.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 70 000 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.0% decrease, while the most substantial increase took place in 2018 with a 16.7% rise.

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

Exports barley from Libya

According to market research, Libya did not export any barley from 2017 through 2020.

Imports barley to Libya

Imports in kind, K t

Libya's barley import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 795.9 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.9% improvement over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 706.6 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with an 18.0% drop, while the most significant increase happened in 2019 with a 7.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine (39.9% of imports by volume), Russia (29.4%), and Romania (12.0%) accounted for the largest share of Libya's barley imports, together comprising 81.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Libya's barley import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 138.2 million US dollars, representing a 3.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 149.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.1% drop, while the most significant increase took place in 2018 with a 6.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine (36.4% of imports by value), Russia (29.1%), and Romania (12.9%) continued to lead as Libya's main barley suppliers, jointly accounting for 78.4% of total import value.

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

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