Barley market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the barley market in North Macedonia grew from 123 thousand tonnes to 146 thousand tonnes, supported by an increase in domestic production to 152 thousand tonnes in 2021. After a decline in 2022, the market volume partially recovered to 134 thousand tonnes in 2023.

A significant rise in exports, from under 8 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 26 thousand tonnes in 2024, reshaped the market after 2020. This export growth contributed to a smaller domestic market size in 2021-2023 despite stable production levels.

In 2024, the government introduced enhanced financial support for barley, including increased direct payments per hectare and higher subsidies for large-scale farms. These measures, alongside reported record grain yields in the previous season, were designed to bolster local production and competitiveness.

Production barley in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

North Macedonia's barley production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 147.7 thousand tons of barley, marking a 6.7% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 57.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 16.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, North Macedonia's barley production value declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 25 751 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate decrease of 9.6% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 56.8%, averaging 16.2% per year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 497 thousand US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 43.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports barley from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, barley shipments from North Macedonia totaled 2 645 tons, indicating a solid decrease of 24.3% compared to 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 717 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 54.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 428.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, two markets—Greece and Albania—dominated North Macedonia's barley exports in volume, jointly accounting for 90.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports hit a low in 2017 and peaked in 2018, showing a 5.5-fold variation. In 2020, the value of barley exports from North Macedonia was 461 thousand US dollars, which is 35.9% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 397 thousand US dollars. The largest decline took place in 2019 at 48.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 445.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Greece and Albania accounted for the majority of North Macedonia's barley exports in value, jointly representing 90.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports barley to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 14.4-fold gap between these years. In 2020, barley deliveries to North Macedonia amounted to 1 429 tons, representing an 81.7% decrease compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 105 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 93.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 607.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, Serbia and Croatia were the primary suppliers of barley to North Macedonia in volume, with a combined share of 83.8% of total imports, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports varied from a low in 2018 to a high in 2017, showing a 10-fold difference. In 2020, cross-border shipments of barley to North Macedonia were valued at 368 thousand US dollars, marking a decline of 76.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 292 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 90.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 427.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Serbia and Croatia remained the primary suppliers of barley to North Macedonia in value terms, with a combined share of 83.1% of total imports, and other countries forming the remainder.

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

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