Barley market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

Barley production in Serbia showed considerable volatility between 2018 and 2023. Output started at 410 thousand tonnes in 2018, fell to 373 thousand tonnes the following year, then climbed sharply to a high of 554 thousand tonnes in 2021. After a contraction to 452 thousand tonnes in 2022, production rebounded to 538 thousand tonnes in 2023. The domestic market volume mirrored this instability, expanding from 339 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 430 thousand tonnes in 2021, contracting significantly in 2022, and recovering to 438 thousand tonnes in 2023.

In 2024, the sector is influenced by state subsidies and regulations for agriculture and rural development, including public tenders for grants to purchase machinery and equipment. The availability of barley varieties suited to Serbia's agro-ecological conditions, along with advice on disease control and proper storage techniques for malting barley, supports production quality and potential yields. Barley's established use in livestock feed and the food industry, valued for its nutritional benefits, underpins ongoing demand.

Production barley in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, Serbia produced 490.1 thousand tons of barley, marking a significant 31.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 60.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.0%, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018 at 34.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Serbia's barley output was valued at 90 310 thousand US dollars, representing a 19.9% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 49.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.3%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 9.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 37.8%.

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

Exports barley from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Barley export volumes from Serbia reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with the peak being 2.2 times higher than the trough. In 2020, exports amounted to 87 823 tons, an 84.4% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 33.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania (35.6% of exports in kind), Bosnia and Herzegovina (19.3%), and Croatia (10.3%) formed the key group of partners for Serbia's barley exports in kind, collectively accounting for 65.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Barley export values from Serbia were at their lowest in 2017 and highest in 2020, with the peak being twice as high as the trough. In 2020, export value reached 16 183 thousand US dollars, a sharp 68.5% year-on-year improvement. The largest decline was in 2019 at 33.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 79.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Romania (33.8% of exports in value terms), Bosnia and Herzegovina (18.6%), and Croatia (11.4%) were the main destinations for Serbia's barley exports in value terms, together representing 63.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Barley imports into Serbia varied significantly, with the lowest volume in 2017 and the highest in 2019, showing a 140-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 3 962 tons, a significant 22.9% decrease from 2019. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 139 tons, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 2,289.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of barley imports in kind was strongly concentrated, with France and Croatia together accounting for 90.4% of total flows, while other partners formed a residual share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Barley import values into Serbia showed a wide range, with the lowest in 2017 and the highest in 2019, exhibiting a 48-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports were valued at 948 thousand US dollars, a 31.3% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 381 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2019 at 1,688.0%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, France and Croatia concentrated the majority of barley imports in value terms to Serbia, while other markets accounted for a less significant portion.

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

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