China Remains the Main Buyer of Ukrainian Barley Despite Export Decline

Ukrainian farmers have exported 1.2 million tons of barley since the beginning of the new marketing year, which is 37% less compared to the same period last year. The significant decline in export volumes is linked to military actions, complicated logistics, and fluctuations in global markets.

This is reported by AgroReview

China’s Leading Role in the Ukrainian Barley Market

According to information from the State Customs Service as of December 10, China remains the key importer of Ukrainian barley, accounting for 42% of total exports. This figure indicates a steady demand from the Chinese market for Ukrainian grain products.

“Compared to last season, China has reduced its purchases by 31%. The reason for this is still open to question. Perhaps they are diversifying their supply sources, or maybe their domestic needs have changed.”

Despite the reduction in purchase volumes, China remains the largest partner for Ukrainian barley exporters.

Increase in Exports to Turkey and Changes in Traditional Markets

Turkey is showing a significant increase in imports of Ukrainian barley: this year, purchases have risen 6.4 times compared to last season — from 36,000 tons to 233,000 tons. Turkey’s share in total exports now stands at 20%. This trend indicates the strengthening of Ukrainian products in the Turkish market, as well as attractive conditions offered by Ukrainian traders.

Libya ranks third among importers with a share of 12%, but it has also reduced its purchase volumes by 37%. This trend of decreasing purchases is characteristic of many of Ukraine’s traditional partners.

Analysts from “APK-Inform” predict that by the end of the marketing year, Ukraine will be able to export 2.5 million tons of barley, which is 11% more than in the previous season. This gives grounds to hope for a gradual recovery of positions in the global market.

Export Prospects and Meeting Domestic Needs

According to forecasts, the gross harvest of barley in Ukraine this year will be about 5.3 million tons. This allows for full satisfaction of domestic demand and maintains a high export potential. The main challenge for exporters remains finding stable buyers and ensuring favorable conditions for selling grain.

The current situation in the barley market reflects the overall trends in the domestic agricultural sector during the war: on one hand, there is a loss of certain markets and a general decline in exports, while on the other hand, new opportunities for expanding supplies, particularly to Turkey, are emerging. China, despite the reduction in volumes, remains the main partner, and the development of alternative sales markets and maintaining product quality remain key tasks for Ukrainian farmers.

Note: The marketing year for grain crops in Ukraine runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Barley is one of the main export crops after wheat and corn.