Barley Prices in Ukraine Reach Seasonal High Due to Shortage of Brewing Grain
The barley market in Ukraine faced a sharp shortage in April 2026, particularly of brewing grain. Currently, brewing barley is virtually unavailable for sale, leading to a significant price increase. Farmers who held onto their stocks found themselves in a favorable position, able to sell their grain at high prices.
This is reported by AgroReview
Price Dynamics and Reasons for the Shortage
As of April 2026, prices for feed barley are forming in the range of 9,000–10,200 UAH per ton (CPT-port), which corresponds to 217–220 USD per ton. Brewing barley now costs 11,400–12,000 UAH per ton delivered to the plant — the highest level this season.
A paradoxical situation arose due to high export demand for feed barley at the beginning of the season. Many farmers sold brewing barley as feed, not waiting for better prices. As a result, by the end of the season, there was almost no quality supply of brewing barley left in the market. Beer producers are forced to raise prices, but even at the increased cost, purchasing grain is virtually impossible.
“Brewers have raised prices — but there is nothing to buy.”
Sowing Campaign and Prospects for the New Harvest
As of April 7, 420,900 hectares of spring barley have already been sown in Ukraine, which is 14% of the planned area. The total area for barley sowing in 2026 is expected to be 1.4 million hectares, which is 6.5% more compared to the previous year. This increase should create conditions for price stabilization after the new harvest.
The National Bank of Ukraine has maintained its grain harvest forecast at 62.9 million tons, and no significant reduction in production is currently expected.
After a peak increase in early April, prices for feed barley began to adjust downward. International traders completed contracts for the old harvest and switched to purchasing the new one at lower prices. The cost of barley in ports fell to 10,100–10,200 UAH per ton, while corn prices reached a seasonal high of 11,000–11,100 UAH per ton, leaving barley behind.
Thus, the market is divided into two segments: brewing barley is becoming more expensive due to the shortage, while feed barley is gradually decreasing in price after the closure of major contracts.
For owners of remaining brewing barley stocks, this is currently the most favorable period for selling — prices have reached 11,400–12,000 UAH per ton, and supply is virtually absent. However, after the arrival of the new harvest, a price decrease is expected. As for feed barley, the advantageous selling period has already ended: traders have focused on purchasing the new harvest at lower forward prices.