Barley market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The Ukrainian barley market began the period supported by stable demand and a competitive grain sector, which encouraged consistent allocation of sown areas and drove technological improvements among producers. Market volume expanded from 3.8 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 4.8 million tons in 2019, before contracting sharply to 2.6 million tons in 2020 and then recovering to 4.1 million tons in 2021.

Market volume fell to 3.5 million tons in 2022. In 2023, it saw a moderate decline to 3.3 million tons, a period marked by a significant supply deficit linked to active field operations, rising transportation costs, and logistical bottlenecks that constrained barley availability. The virtual absence of demand for malting barley, with malt producers not expected to return to the market before spring 2026, further reduced consumption in this segment, while active external demand from buyers like China and Turkey provided some market support.

Heading into 2024, the market was shaped by global supply shortages that exerted upward pressure on prices. Producers showed caution, holding back from new deals due to uncertainty over winter crop conditions, even as exports for the year reached 3.4 million tons, reflecting sustained international demand.

Production barley Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Ukraine ranked as the 7th largest producer of barley during the 2017-2020 period.

Top producers of barley, 2017-2020

World map of production of barley, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ukraine produced 7 636 K t of barley, representing a 14.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 7.8%, averaging an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 349 K t, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 8 917 K t. The most significant year-on-year increase was observed in 2019, when production rose by 21.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, Ukraine's barley production value experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 328 M $ US, marking a substantial drop of 13.1% from 2019. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 9.5%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 3.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 528 M $ US, with the largest year-on-year increase of 14.9% occurring in 2018.

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

Exports barley to Ukraine

Exports in kind, K t

Ukraine's barley exports continued to grow for the second year in a row. In 2020, export volumes reached 5 046 K t, showing a 21.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 3.9%, with an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 597 K t, which also saw the most significant decline of 25.9% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, K t

During 2017-2020, Saudi Arabia, China, and Libya were the primary destinations for Ukraine's barley exports in kind. Saudi Arabia accounted for 35.9% of exports, China for 25.9%, and Libya for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented 68.8% of total barley exports from Ukraine.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Barley exports from Ukraine increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 877.6 M $ US, reflecting a substantial year-on-year growth of 23.6%. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 23.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 681.9 M $ US, which also experienced the most significant decline of 4.0% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, China, and Libya consistently led as the top destinations for Ukraine's barley exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia contributed 35.8% of export value, China 27.1%, and Libya 7.0%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 69.9% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports barley in Ukraine

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Ukraine imported 9 K t of barley, showing a slight contraction of 2.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 13.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 K t, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 10 K t. The most significant decline of 9.6% was observed in 2018, whereas the largest increase of 29.1% took place in 2019.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia and Moldova dominated Ukraine's barley imports in kind, together accounting for 87.6% of total import flows. Other destinations contributed smaller individual shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, Ukraine's barley import value declined. In 2020, imports stood at 2.6 M $ US, reflecting a 10.1% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 2.9 M $ US, with the largest year-on-year increase of 26.9% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Czechia, and Moldova remained the main suppliers of barley to Ukraine in value terms. Russia accounted for 52.6% of imports, Czechia for 14.4%, and Moldova for 12.7%. Together, these three countries formed 79.7% of total import value.

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

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