Malt market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The malt market in the CIS expanded from 2018 to 2020, with production rising from 1 676 thousand tons to 2 086 thousand tons. This growth was driven by import substitution policies that reduced malt imports and encouraged domestic output, alongside steady demand from the brewing industry. The introduction of the EAEU technical regulation 'On the safety of alcoholic products' in 2018 established new labeling and safety standards that influenced the sector throughout the period.

In 2021, market volume contracted to 1 801 thousand tons as record exports of 344 thousand tons diverted production away from domestic consumption. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily reduced beer demand, but by 2022 the market recovered to 1 879 thousand tons, supported by increased beer consumption and further import substitution amid geopolitical sanctions that sharply cut imports from traditional suppliers.

By 2023, the market reached 1 967 thousand tons, fueled by stable barley harvests and sustained demand from brewing companies. Malt consumption grew by 22.6% compared to 2018, reaching 1.57 million tons, while global barley price shocks and logistical constraints affected costs without halting the overall expansion.

Production malt in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of malt, 2017-2020

World map of production of malt, 2017-2020

Malt production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 086 K t of malt, marking a steady increase of 9.4% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 36.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 10.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, malt production value in the CIS declined. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 027 M $ US, representing a significant drop of 10.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 15%, with an annualized rate of 4.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 143 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 27.6%.

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

Exports malt from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Malt exports from the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 213.2 K t of malt, up by 47.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 148.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, CIS malt was exported to a diverse range of markets. Latvia accounted for 10.7% of exports in volume, Ukraine for 9.1%, and Brazil for 8.5%, together making up just 28.3% of total exports. The remaining 71.7% was distributed among numerous smaller destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of malt exports from the CIS has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 104.9 M $ US, showing a 21.2% increase over the past year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 109.7%, with a CAGR of 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, malt export value was spread across a wide array of partner countries. Latvia contributed 10.4% of the total value, Ukraine 9.9%, and Brazil 7.8%, collectively accounting for only 28.1% of all exports.

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

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

Imports malt to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, malt imports into the CIS increased. In 2020, imports totaled 133.4 K t, remaining stable compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.4%, with a CAGR of 7.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 133.2 K t, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 13.5% decline.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Germany, Ukraine, and Finland were notable suppliers of malt to the CIS, but not dominant. Germany accounted for 10.7% of imports in volume, Ukraine for 9.0%, and Finland for 5.5%, together representing only 25.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of malt imports into the CIS has fallen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 77.6 M $ US, marking a 1.4% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value declined by 11.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.9%.

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

Over 2017-2020, malt import value to the CIS was widely dispersed among partner countries. Germany accounted for 17.0% of the value, Ukraine for 7.8%, and Finland for 6.8%, together making up just 31.5% of total imports.

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

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