Barley market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The barley market in Western Europe recorded a volume of 18.9 million tons in 2018, a year characterized by tight global supplies and elevated prices following reduced harvests among key world exporters. Market volume then climbed to 21.7 million tons in 2019 and gradually moderated over the next two years, reaching 19.7 million tons by 2021.

A sharp rebound occurred in 2022, with the market expanding to 23.8 million tons. This growth was underpinned by substantial barley harvests in several producing nations, including Germany, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic. Concurrently, a sustained increase in the number of breweries across France, which had grown from 246 in 2006 to over 2,300 by 2023, strengthened demand for malting barley.

In 2023, the market volume contracted to 19.5 million tons. Although domestic production remained high, significant carryover stocks and fierce competition on the international market, particularly from Russian supplies, prompted a marked rise in exports. Furthermore, the lingering effects of drought conditions in parts of Europe during the previous growing season continued to influence market dynamics.

Production barley in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2019, Western Europe recorded its highest barley production at 26 855 K t, marking a significant 21.5% increase. However, production declined to 22 713 K t in 2020, which represents a 15.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production fell by 7.5%, with an average annual decline of 2.6%. The lowest production level during this timeframe was observed in 2018 at 22 105 K t.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, barley production in Western Europe experienced a downturn. In 2019, production value reached its peak at 10 782 M $ US, reflecting a substantial 33.6% increase. However, by 2020, the value had decreased to 8 641 M $ US, representing a 19.9% decline from the previous year. Despite this recent drop, production value over the 2017-2020 period showed an overall increase of 11.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.8%.

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

Exports barley from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Barley exports from Western Europe declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest level at 8 093 K t, showing a 2.4% increase. By 2020, exports had fallen to 6 406 K t, marking a 19.3% contraction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 18.9%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Western Europe's barley exports were distributed across a broad range of buyers. Saudi Arabia accounted for 16.9% of exports in volume, China for 11.2%, and Morocco for 3.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 32.0% of total exports, with numerous other countries holding smaller but meaningful shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Barley exports from Western Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 2 016 M $ US, representing a 5.3% year-over-year growth. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 32.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of barley export value was highly diversified. Saudi Arabia accounted for 15.8% of export value, China for 11.3%, and Morocco for 3.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 30.8% of total export value, while the remaining 69.2% was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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

Imports barley to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2018, barley imports to Western Europe reached their highest level at 4 930 K t, showing a 37.8% increase. The following year, imports declined to their lowest point at 2 765 K t, representing a 43.9% decrease. By 2020, imports had recovered to 3 715 K t, marking a 34.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 3.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, barley imports to Western Europe were widely dispersed across partner countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 7.5% of import volume, Denmark for 6.5%, and Czechia for 4.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 18.2% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Barley imports to Western Europe increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 1 301 M $ US, representing a 3.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 24.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, barley import value was distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The United Kingdom accounted for 7.6% of import value, Denmark for 7.0%, and Czechia for 3.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 18.3% of total import value.

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

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