Barley market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. barley market volume expanded from 3 404 thousand tons in 2018 to 3 779 thousand tons in 2019, driven by the rise of microbreweries and home brewing which increased demand for high-quality malting barley, alongside growing consumer preference for health-conscious diets and whole grains. Technological advancements in farming practices also supported more efficient and sustainable production.

Climate variability and adverse weather conditions in 2020 contributed to a moderate market decline to 3 686 thousand tons, followed by a sharp contraction to 2 504 thousand tons in 2021 as barley production fell significantly.

The market rebounded strongly to 4 211 thousand tons in 2022, fueled by rising demand from the brewing and food industries due to persistent health trends and craft beer popularity. Growth continued to 4 383 thousand tons in 2023, aided by product innovations such as the launch of upcycled barley protein products and increased emphasis on sustainable sourcing practices by major industry players.

Production barley in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The United States was one of the world's leading barley producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking 13th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

Barley production in the United States declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 3 719 K t of barley, marking a 1.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 19.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 756 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 12.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year advance, the value of barley production in the United States declined. In 2020, output was valued at 937 M $ US, representing a 17.4% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 16.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 1 135 M $ US, while the largest annual increase was recorded in 2018 at 21.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports barley from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Barley exports from the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 187.1 K t of barley, a 57.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 34.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 91.2 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 34.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of barley exports in kind was highly concentrated, with Canada and Japan together accounting for 82.0% of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Barley exports from the United States increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 47 156 K $ US worth of barley, a significant 31.1% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 31.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 26 768 K $ US, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 25.5%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 34.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan and Canada dominated barley exports in value terms, together accounting for 80.5% of total flows, with other destinations contributing smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports barley to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, barley imports to the United States increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 153.9 K t, an 8.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.6%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 142.4 K t, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 29.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, 99.1% of total barley imports in kind to the United States came from Canada, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year fall, barley imports to the United States increased. In 2020, the country imported 38 677 K $ US worth of barley, an 8.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 27.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 35 652 K $ US, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 27.2%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada was the key partner for barley imports in value terms, accounting for 97.6% of total flows.

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

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