Barley market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

Uruguayan barley production and market volume saw significant expansion from 2018 to 2023. A major leap occurred in 2019, when production rose to 637.8 thousand tons and the market size reached 605.9 thousand tons, driven primarily by attractive commercial plans from major malt houses that increased demand for brewing barley. Another strong surge followed in 2021, with production climbing to 888.8 thousand tons and the market volume growing to 648.9 thousand tons.

The market's trajectory was shaped by international trade shifts and climate factors. After China imposed tariffs on Australian barley, Uruguay benefited from redirected trade flows, which supported export growth and helped production reach 920.1 thousand tons in 2022 while the domestic market volume stabilized at 648.2 thousand tons. In 2023, the market volume expanded notably to 761.8 thousand tons, even as production dipped slightly to 897.2 thousand tons, a change influenced by lower export volumes and higher imports, alongside variable weather conditions that affected crop yields.

Structural changes within the industry also played a role, marked by commitments from global agribusinesses. Cargill's pledge to eliminate deforestation in its supply chain by 2025 and Anheuser-Busch's launch of the sustainable ingredient company EverGrain highlighted a growing focus on sustainable agriculture, influencing long-term market development in Uruguay.

Production barley in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, Uruguay produced 606.7 K t of barley, marking a 4.9% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 10.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 385.0 K t, which saw the largest decline of 43.2%. Conversely, 2019 experienced the most significant increase at 65.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Market performance showed notable fluctuations during this period. Production value reached its peak in 2019 at 179.8 M $ US and dropped to its lowest in 2018 at 105.1 M $ US, representing a 1.7-fold variation. In 2020, barley output was valued at 128.5 M $ US in Uruguay, down 28.5% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 31.7%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 71.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uruguay in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports barley from Uruguay

Exports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes peaked in 2017 and dropped to their lowest point in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 16 times. In 2020, Uruguay's barley exports were recorded at 41.2 K t, representing a 33.5% decline compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 7.1 K t, which saw the largest decline of 93.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 771.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia formed the core group of markets for barley exports in kind. Brazil accounted for 55.0% of exports, India for 16.9%, and Saudi Arabia for 12.1%, together representing 84.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Export values hit their maximum in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, showing a difference of 13.5 times. In 2020, Uruguay exported 8 720 K $ US of barley, which is 50.1% less compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 940 K $ US, with the largest decline of 92.6% occurring that year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 799.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Free Zones, and India consistently occupied leading positions in the country structure of barley exports in value terms. Brazil accounted for 61.5% of exports, Free Zones for 14.1%, and India for 11.1%, jointly accounting for 86.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports barley to Uruguay

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import volumes peaked in 2018 and reached their trough in 2020, with a 3 166-fold gap. In 2020, Uruguay imported 0.0 K t of barley, which is 99.9% less than a year earlier. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 64.0 K t, which saw the largest increase of 632.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of barley in kind to Uruguay were largely oriented towards Argentina and France, whose combined share reached 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes climbed to their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2020, a 1 126-fold shift. In 2020, barley import volumes in Uruguay amounted to 16 K $ US, marking a steep fall of 99.8% versus the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 18 008 K $ US, which experienced the largest increase of 651.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the dominance of Argentina and France in barley imports in value terms was evident, with a combined share of 99.8% of total flows.

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

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