How much barley is imported over the world?

Abstract

In recent years, global barley production has seen fluctuations driven by weather conditions, changing agricultural policies, and shifts in demand. China, as the largest producer in 2021 with 12.6Mt, has been a key player in the barley market, although its production is often linked to domestic consumption and brewing needs. Traditionally, Europe, Canada, and Russia have also been significant producers. Barley is primarily traded as animal feed and for brewing, with key importers including the EU, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. Import trends show steady demand, particularly for malting barley, reflecting a growing global appetite for beer and livestock products.

Barley imports (worldwide)

From 1961 to 2021, global barley imports have evolved with shifts in production, demand, and trade policies. China, reaching its peak import level of 12.6Mt in 2021, now accounts for 100% of its peak, reflecting its growing domestic consumption, particularly for brewing and animal feed. Traditionally, major importers like the EU, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have driven global demand. Over time, imports have fluctuated due to changes in agricultural production, climatic factors, and shifting preferences for animal feed and malting barley, with steady demand for beer production influencing trends.

The maximum is 1.46G[2021] of China, and the current value is about 97.8%

Barley imports (latest year, world)

In 2021, global barley imports totaled 55.6Mt, with China leading at 12.6Mt, a significant share of global demand. The average import volume for other countries was 307kt, highlighting China’s dominant role in the market. Historically, barley imports have been driven by its use in brewing and animal feed, with China increasingly relying on imports to meet its growing domestic consumption. Other major importers include the EU, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The trends indicate steady demand, influenced by global brewing growth and livestock feed requirements, despite fluctuations in production and trade policies.

The maximum is 1.43G of China, the average is 61.6M, and the total is 6.53G

Barley imports (continent)

Since 1961, barley imports have shown significant growth, particularly in Asia, which reached a record 32.4Mt as the highest importer. This increase reflects rising demand driven by the region’s expanding brewing industries and livestock production. Traditionally, Europe and the Middle East were major importers, but Asia’s growing consumption has shifted the global trade dynamics. The steady rise in imports is linked to both domestic production deficits and the increasing popularity of barley-based products. Global trade patterns continue to be influenced by changes in production, demand for animal feed, and brewing needs.2/2

The maximum is the latest one, 4.72G of Asia

Barley imports (latest year, continental)

In 2021, global barley imports reached 72.5Mt, with Asia being the largest importer at 32.4Mt, significantly higher than the global average of 7.25Mt. This surge reflects Asia’s growing demand, primarily for brewing and animal feed, driven by expanding industries in countries like China and Japan. Historically, barley imports have been influenced by both regional production gaps and the rise of barley-based products. The trend highlights Asia’s increasing reliance on imports to meet its domestic needs, with steady global demand shaped by brewing growth, livestock consumption, and changing agricultural policies.

The maximum is 4.72G of Asia, the average is 1.47G, and the total is 7.37G

Main data

Reference