HS Code:
Barley (HS Code: 1003) is a major cereal grain grown in temperate climates globally. It is primarily used for animal feed, malting for beer and whiskey production, and to a lesser extent, human consumption. Barley is a key agricultural commodity in international trade due to its versatility and importance in food security. Its trade is influenced by factors such as weather conditions, demand for beer production, and livestock feed requirements.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 30 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
8.5 million metric tons
28.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
5.2 million metric tons
17.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
4.8 million metric tons
16.0% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
4.5 million metric tons
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
3.0 million metric tons
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries for food security reasons)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU internal trade or CPTPP)
Rising demand for malting barley
Increased exports from countries like Australia and France to meet demand from the global craft beer industry.
2021-2022
Climate change affecting yields
Unpredictable weather patterns have led to reduced harvests in key regions like Ukraine, impacting global supply and prices.
2020-2022
Shift towards sustainable farming
Growing preference for sustainably grown barley in Europe and North America, influencing trade patterns and premiums for certified products.
2019-2022
The ongoing conflict has severely impacted barley exports from Ukraine, a key supplier, leading to supply shortages and price spikes in 2022.
February 2022 onwards
Increased reliance on alternative suppliers like Australia and Canada, with higher shipping costs and market volatility.
China lifted punitive tariffs on Australian barley in 2023 after a period of diplomatic tensions, resuming imports from one of its largest suppliers.
August 2023
Boosted Australian barley exports, stabilizing prices in the Asia-Pacific region and benefiting Chinese brewers and livestock sectors.
The European Union introduced stricter pesticide residue limits for imported barley to align with its Green Deal objectives.
January 2023
Non-EU exporters face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing trade volumes from countries unable to meet standards.