Barley market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch barley market volume grew from 2.2 million tons to 2.8 million tons. This expansion was supported by a rising interest in organic barley cultivation and a 6% increase in yield per hectare by 2019, reflecting improved cultivation methods and varietal innovation. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 indirectly altered trade flows and consumption patterns, contributing to a surge in imports and a drop in exports, which further bolstered the available market volume.

From 2021, the market entered a phase of contraction, declining to 2.5 million tons by 2023. A major shortage of brewing-quality barley in 2022 led to explosive price increases and significantly constrained import availability. This shortage was exacerbated by persistent logistical bottlenecks and geopolitical tensions affecting grain corridor access, which restricted supply. Concurrently, a slight drop in demand for brewing barley, linked to ongoing coronavirus-related impacts on beer consumption, also weighed on the market. The introduction of the updated National Action Plan for Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products 2022-2025 introduced new rules affecting cultivation practices. By 2023, high prices and market tightness persisted due to logistical delays, but the overall market volume showed signs of stabilization.

Production barley in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, the Netherlands produced 246.2 thousand tonnes of barley, representing a 1.6% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 20.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 247.5 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 21.1%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 2.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, barley production value in the Netherlands declined in 2020. The output was valued at 65 239 thousand US dollars, marking a 10.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 23.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 72 545 thousand US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest annual increase of 26.1%.

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

Exports barley from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

The market demonstrated volatility throughout the observed period. In 2017, exports reached their lowest point, while 2018 saw the highest volume at 222 thousand tonnes, creating a 3.2-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, barley exports from the Netherlands totaled 80 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 15.3% decrease from 2019. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019 at 57.4%, whereas 2018 recorded the largest increase of 224.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Saudi Arabia were the primary buyers of Dutch barley in volume terms, accounting for 34.6%, 27.5%, and 14.2% of exports respectively. Together, these three countries represented 76.3% of total barley exports from the Netherlands.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018 at 59.8 million US dollars, showing a 3.4-fold increase between these years. In 2020, barley exports from the Netherlands totaled 21.2 million US dollars, marking a significant 25.0% year-over-year decline. The most substantial decrease occurred in 2019 at 52.6%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 237.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Saudi Arabia were the main buyers of Dutch barley in value terms, accounting for 33.8%, 28.5%, and 11.0% of exports respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 73.4% of total barley export value from the Netherlands.

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

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

Imports barley to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, barley imports to the Netherlands amounted to 2 638 thousand tonnes, representing a 22.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 27.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 8.4%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 1.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium consistently dominated the Netherlands' barley imports in volume terms, accounting for 36.0%, 33.8%, and 11.6% respectively. Together, these three countries represented 81.4% of total barley imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, barley imports to the Netherlands were valued at 513.6 million US dollars, marking a strong 12.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 35.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.5%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 at 4.6%, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 26.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Germany, and Belgium formed the primary group of sources for barley imports to the Netherlands in value terms, accounting for 34.6%, 34.3%, and 11.7% respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 80.6% of total import value.

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

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