Barley market in Slovenia

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market in Slovenia expanded from 99.9 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 119.3 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth occurred despite a constrained domestic harvest in 2018, when lower barley yields reduced production. Market volume continued to increase as production recovered, coinciding with a period of lower average barley prices in 2019 that reflected greater supply availability.

After stabilizing near 120 thousand tonnes in 2021, the market entered a downward trend, contracting to 113.1 thousand tonnes in 2022 and further to 109.9 thousand tonnes by 2023. The most recent decline was primarily driven by another season of poorer yields in 2023, which lowered domestic barley production substantially.

Production barley in Slovenia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Slovenia's barley production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 122.2 K t of barley, marking a substantial 19.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 24.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 88.1 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 10.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovenia's barley production value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, barley output was valued at 22 879 K $ US, representing a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 260 K $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 14.4%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 13.6% rise.

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

Exports barley from Slovenia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this period. Exported barley volumes from Slovenia reached 18 595 t in 2020, indicating a significant 189.9% year-over-year increase. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 414 t, which saw the largest decline of 51.5%. Between 2017 and 2019, there was a 3.6-fold variation, with the maximum in 2017 and the minimum in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy dominated Slovenia's barley exports in kind, accounting for 75.3% of total flows, while the remaining share was distributed among various smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. In 2020, barley exports from Slovenia totaled 3 482 K $ US, which is 168.2% higher than the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 299 K $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 52.6%. Between 2017 and 2019, exports reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, representing a 3.9-fold shift.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy played a leading role in Slovenia's barley exports in value terms, capturing 72.1% of total flows, with the remainder distributed across other trading partners.

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

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

Imports barley to Slovenia

Imports in kind, t

Slovenia's barley imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 15 684 t, corresponding to a gradual 7.3% contraction from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 50.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two leading markets—Hungary and Croatia—together accounted for 88.0% of Slovenia's total barley imports in kind, while the remaining volume was dispersed across a wide range of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Slovenia's barley import value has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume stood at 3 862 K $ US, corresponding to a strong 12.0% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 34.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Hungary and Croatia remained the main suppliers of barley to Slovenia, with a combined share of 83.6% of total imports in value terms, and a fragmented remainder across other countries.

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

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