Barley market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK barley market volume fluctuated between 5.8 million tons in 2018 and 6.6 million tons in 2020, then settled around 6.3-6.4 million tons in subsequent years. Early growth was fueled by increased barley consumption in animal feed rations, as it traded at a discount to wheat, making it a cost-effective alternative. Global supply constraints for corn and wheat further supported barley demand and prices during this period.

Market movements later in the period were closely tied to harvest outcomes and external shocks. A mixed-quality harvest in 2021 coincided with a market contraction, while an above-average malting barley crop in 2022 supported volume recovery despite supply chain volatility from the war in Ukraine. By 2023, reduced yields and pest infestations lowered domestic production, while rising demand for barley malt in brewing and new product innovations like plant-based barley milk continued to influence consumption patterns.

Production barley in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United Kingdom was one of the world's leading barley producers, ranking 8th globally by production volume.

Top producers of barley, 2018-2021

World map of production of barley, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, barley production in the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, production reached 6 961 K t, down 14.2% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 6.9%, averaging 2.3% annually. The highest production was recorded in 2020 at 8 117 K t, with the largest year-on-year increase occurring in 2019 at 23.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports barley from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Barley exports from the United Kingdom showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2019 at 1 792 K t and reached their lowest point in 2021 at 781 K t, representing a 2.3-fold difference. The 2021 export volume marked a sharp 50.4% decrease from the previous year. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2019 at 110.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and Ireland were the top buyers of UK barley exports by volume. The Netherlands accounted for 25.0% of exports, Spain for 14.5%, and Ireland for 13.8%. Together, these three countries represented 53.2% of total barley exports from the United Kingdom.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Barley export values showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values peaked in 2019 at 361.1 M $ US and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with a 1.9-fold variation between these years. In 2021, export values reached 201.2 M $ US, representing a 34.3% decrease from the previous year. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019 at 86.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Spain remained the primary markets for UK barley exports by value. The Netherlands accounted for 24.7% of export value, Ireland for 14.2%, and Spain for 13.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 52.4% of total barley export value from the United Kingdom.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports barley to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

Barley imports to the United Kingdom increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 126 K t, up 27.7% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 22.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 66 K t, which represented a 35.9% decrease from the previous year. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2020 at 49.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ireland, France, and Denmark were consistently the main sources of barley imports to the United Kingdom by volume. Ireland accounted for 47.2% of imports, France for 15.3%, and Denmark for 13.4%. Together, these three countries supplied 75.9% of total barley imports to the United Kingdom.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Barley import values to the United Kingdom increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import values reached 201.2 M $ US, up 51.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values grew by 40.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.9%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 19.5 M $ US, representing a 25.3% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Ireland, Denmark, and France were the primary sources of barley imports to the United Kingdom by value. Ireland accounted for 40.1% of import value, Denmark for 21.1%, and France for 14.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 75.7% of total barley import value to the United Kingdom.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021