Barley market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market volume in MENA fluctuated over the 2018–2023 period, peaking at 25.5 million tons in 2019 before entering a sustained decline. By 2023, the market had contracted to 16.6 million tons, reflecting a significant reduction in overall supply, driven largely by falling import volumes.

From 2021, the competitive landscape saw increased activity as major manufacturers were profiled with active business strategies, shaping market dynamics. In 2023, Saudi Arabia's provision of interest-free loans to barley growers stimulated domestic production, which rose to 7.5 million tons, partially offsetting the sharp drop in imports and moderating the market's decline.

Into 2024, Turkey maintained its position as the dominant regional barley supplier, while Saudi financial incentives continued to support demand. Lower global barley import prices also influenced cost structures for importers in the MENA region.

Production barley in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in the MENA region showed a mixed trend over the period. After two consecutive years of growth, output declined in 2020. That year, production reached 11 000 thousand tonnes, marking a 13.7% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the full 2017-2020 timeframe, production actually increased by 20.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 6.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 12 739 thousand tonnes, when production surged by 31.4% year-over-year.

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

Exports barley from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

Barley export volumes from MENA exhibited significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point occurred in 2017, followed by a peak in 2020, resulting in a dramatic 16-fold swing over the period. In 2020, exports stood at 426 thousand tonnes, representing an extraordinary 700.6% increase compared to the previous year. The most substantial decline was observed in 2019 at 82.4%, while the largest increase happened in 2018 with a remarkable 1 018.9% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three destinations dominated MENA's barley exports in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 46.1% of exports, Free Zones represented 28.0%, and Russia contributed 6.4%. Together, these markets represented 80.4% of total barley export volumes from the region.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of barley exports from MENA showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 14.5-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, export value totaled 84 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 157.1% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 54.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a substantial 1 145.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Free Zones, and Russia remained the primary markets for MENA's barley exports in value terms. Turkey represented 31.5% of export value, Free Zones accounted for 26.7%, and Russia contributed 6.3%. Collectively, these three destinations captured 64.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports barley to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Barley imports to the MENA region followed an interesting pattern. After declining for two consecutive years, import volumes increased in 2020. That year, imports reached 14 622 thousand tonnes, representing a 14.5% rise compared to 2019. However, over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports actually decreased by 10%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 771 thousand tonnes, when imports fell by 19.1% year-over-year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Ukraine, and France emerged as the main sources of barley imports to MENA in volume terms. Russia accounted for 23.7% of imports, Ukraine represented 16.0%, and France contributed 11.1%. Together, these three countries supplied 50.7% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of barley imports to MENA showed moderate changes during the period. In 2020, import value reached 3 181 million US dollars, representing a modest 7.2% increase compared to the previous year. Over the full 2017-2020 timeframe, import value increased by 2.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 967 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 3 467 million US dollars. The most substantial decline happened in 2019 at 14.4%, while the largest increase was observed in 2018 with an 11.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, barley imports to MENA in value terms showed relatively diversified sourcing. Russia accounted for 23.4% of import value, Ukraine represented 15.0%, and France contributed 10.9%. Together, these three countries represented 49.3% of total import value, indicating that imports were not heavily concentrated among a few key suppliers.

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

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