Global barley prices fall, increasing pressure on Ukrainian producers

Global feed barley prices continue to decline, putting additional pressure on Ukrainian producers amid weak export demand and high logistics costs. At an international tender on October 28, Tunisia purchased 100 thsd tons of barley at an average price of $292.88/ton C&F, down $12.8/ton from its previous tender in September. On October 27, Jordan purchased 60 thsd tons of barley for delivery in the first half of January 2027 at $292.25/ton C&F, which was $26.25/ton below the price recorded at its September 9 tender.

In Ukraine, export bid prices for feed barley remain at UAH 6,500–7,200/ton, or $140–150/ton, delivered to Danube ports. However, rising transportation costs are forcing traders to lower purchase prices offered directly to farmers. Domestic processors have also reduced their purchase prices to UAH 4,500–5,000/ton delivered to processing facilities, limiting purchases amid ample grain supplies. Meanwhile, malt producers have largely suspended purchases of spring malting barley due to a shortage of available storage capacity and slow malt sales and shipments.

Ukrainian barley exports remain significantly below last year’s pace. During the first 30 days of October 2026, Ukraine exported just 34 thsd tons, compared with 216 thsd tons during the same period in 2025. Total shipments since the beginning of the 2026/27 marketing year reached 482 thsd tons, down from 1.89 mln tons a year earlier. As a result, exports are lagging behind last year’s pace by more than 74%, intensifying competition among sellers in the domestic market.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its position in the European Union’s barley market. According to European Commission data, EU barley imports increased by 21.3% from July 1 to October 25, 2026, reaching 225.96 thsd tons. Ukrainian shipments during this period rose 3.7 times, from 18.96 thsd tons to 69.83 thsd tons, while Ukraine’s share of total EU imports increased from 10.18% to 30.9%. This made Ukraine the largest barley supplier to the EU, ahead of Moldova with 65.85 thsd tons and the United Kingdom with 58.22 thsd tons.

Market participants estimate that Ukraine could potentially export another 2.5–3 mln tons of barley before the end of the current season, although realizing this potential will depend on a recovery in demand and the competitiveness of Ukrainian grain. In the European market, French feed barley prices have remained at €207/ton, or approximately $231/ton FOB Rouen, over the past two weeks. Meanwhile, malting barley prices fell by €2/ton to €236/ton FOB Creil under pressure from declining feed corn prices.

Tags: Ukraine, barley, global market