Malt market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The Ukrainian malt market opened the period with a substantial volume of 480,000 tons in 2018, supported by the dominant position of three major companies—Malteurop, Soufflet, and Obolon—and the full utilization of EU export quotas. However, the market halved to 240,000 tons in 2019, a contraction that coincided with shifts in agricultural policy affecting barley cultivation for malt and adjustments in export conditions.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further pressured the market, reducing volume to 204,000 tons as beer consumption patterns shifted and logistics were disrupted, compounded by rising raw material and energy costs. A nascent trend toward craft beer began influencing demand for specialty malts, which helped stabilize the market around 203,000 tons in 2021, even as imports surged to 39,000 tons to meet specific quality needs.

Russia’s invasion in 2022 caused a severe downturn, with malt production falling 22.5% and market volume dropping to 141,000 tons due to logistical destruction, the closure of traditional sea export routes, and a 31.6% decline in beer output. By 2023, signs of recovery emerged as malt production over a period grew 2.3‑fold year‑on‑year and beer output rose more than 35%, though persistent quality issues with domestic malt led craft brewers to favor imports, and the total market volume continued its descent to 114,000 tons.

Production malt Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, Ukraine ranked as the 16th largest producer of malt between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of malt, 2017-2020

World map of production of malt, 2017-2020

Malt production in Ukraine declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Ukraine produced 265.3 K t of malt, marking a 21.6% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 48%, which translates to an annualized decline of 19.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 610.5 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 44.6% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 19.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Ukraine's malt production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 112.2 M $ US, representing a 23.8% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 44.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -17.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 242.6 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 39.3% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 20.2%.

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

Exports malt to Ukraine

Exports in kind, K t

Exported malt volumes from Ukraine declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 74.8 K t, reflecting a 35.5% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 36.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 13.9%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 142.7 K t, with the largest increase that year at 22.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine's malt exports were distributed across a wide range of buyers. Angola accounted for 19.4% of exports in kind, Brazil for 13.0%, and Moldova for 9.3%, together making up 41.8% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

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, K $ US

Ukraine's malt exports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 31 606 K $ US, showing a sharp decrease of 37.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 31.7%, with an annualized decline of 11.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 56 697 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 22.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Ukraine's malt exports in value terms were spread across multiple countries. Angola contributed 18.5% of exports in value, Brazil 13.1%, and Moldova 8.9%, together accounting for 40.5% of total flows. No single partner emerged as clearly dominant.

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

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

Imports malt in Ukraine

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, malt deliveries to Ukraine declined. In 2020, imports stood at 14.0 K t, indicating a 21.4% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 32.9%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 17.8 K t, with the largest increase that year at 41.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Germany, and Russia were the leading sources of malt imports to Ukraine in kind. Belarus accounted for 39.2% of imports, Germany for 23.4%, and Russia for 23.0%, jointly representing 85.7% of total flows.

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, K $ US

After a two-year increase, Ukraine's malt import volume declined. In 2020, Ukraine imported 6 449 K $ US of malt, amounting to a 24.5% year-over-year drop. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 8 536 K $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 14.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Germany, Belarus, and Russia—together accounted for 83.7% of total imports in value terms of malt to Ukraine.

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

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