Barley market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market in South Korea grew significantly from 157 thousand tons in 2018 to 204.5 thousand tons in 2019. This expansion was primarily driven by a 38% surge in domestic production in 2018, fueled by favorable weather conditions and higher contract prices from agricultural cooperatives that encouraged farmers to expand cultivation area. Concurrently, rising consumer interest in healthy foods boosted demand for processed barley products like barley tea and noodles, with the leading brand Woongjin Foods' 'Haneulbori' solidifying its market position.

Following the 2019 peak, the market volume contracted over the next three years, falling to 145.7 thousand tons by 2022 as domestic production declined sharply and was not fully offset by imports. During this period, industry focus shifted towards developing new functional food applications and holding discussions on stabilizing the supply of domestic raw materials to reduce import dependency.

The market recovered to 183.9 thousand tons in 2023 despite persistently low domestic production, as strong demand for processed barley goods led to a sharp increase in imports to 117.9 thousand tons. The diversification into products like barley beverages and their export to new markets supported this demand. In 2024, frequent heavy rains caused a severe drop in barley production, highlighting the need for government policies aimed at enhancing food self-sufficiency and stabilizing the supply chain.

Production barley in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

South Korea's barley production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, production dropped sharply to 98.4 K t, marking a 28.1% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the 2017-2020 period overall, production grew by 31.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.5%. The peak was reached in 2019 at 136.9 K t, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 37.2%.

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

Exports barley from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

The barley export market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at just 97 t, then rose slightly to 98 t in 2020, representing a modest 0.9% increase. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 353 t, creating a dramatic 35-fold difference between the peak and trough years. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 with a 97.1% drop, while exports surged by 1 249.1% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam was the primary destination for South Korea's barley exports in volume terms, accounting for 83.1% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The barley export market in value terms exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 214 K $ US, then rebounded to 314 K $ US in 2020, representing a substantial 47.0% increase. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 867 K $ US, creating a 4.1-fold difference between the high and low points. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 75.4% decrease, while exports grew by 59.2% in 2018.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Vietnam, Japan, and Australia were the key destinations for South Korea's barley exports in value terms. Vietnam accounted for 32.6% of export value, Japan for 24.4%, and Australia for 21.1%. Together, these three markets represented 78.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports barley to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's barley imports in volume terms reached 61 313 t in 2020, showing a moderate 9.4% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 7.2%, equivalent to an average annual decrease of 2.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 57 685 t, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 67 708 t. The most substantial decline took place in 2018 with a 12.7% decrease, while imports grew by 17.4% in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Australia dominated South Korea's barley imports in volume terms, accounting for 88.4% of total shipments. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares of the import market.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

South Korea's barley imports in value terms totaled 15 069 K $ US in 2020, representing a 23.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value declined by 5.3%, with an average annual decrease of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 14 917 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 19 610 K $ US. The most significant increase took place in 2019 with 31.5% growth.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Australia strongly dominated South Korea's barley imports in value terms, accounting for 85.9% of total import value. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares of the import market.

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

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