Eastern Asia: Barley Market 2025

Barley Market Size in Eastern Asia

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the East Asian barley market, when its value decreased by -28.3% to $X. In general, consumption, however, recorded a remarkable increase. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then fell markedly in the following year.

Barley Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, barley production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production saw buoyant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 326%. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

China (X tons) remains the largest barley producing country in Eastern Asia, comprising approx. 84% of total volume. Moreover, barley production in China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Japan (X tons), ninefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by South Korea (X tons), with a 3.9% share.

In China, barley production increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Japan (+2.8% per year) and South Korea (+5.0% per year).

In 2022, the average barley yield in Eastern Asia contracted to X tons per ha, approximately reflecting the year before. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.5% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 18%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of barley production in Eastern Asia stood at X ha, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 44%. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Barley Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, shipments abroad of barley decreased by -18.5% to X tons, falling for the fourth consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, exports faced a significant decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by 84% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, barley exports totaled $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports recorded a abrupt curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 84%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, South Korea (X tons) represented the major exporter of barley, constituting 63% of total exports. Japan (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total exports with a 14% share, followed by Taiwan (Chinese) (11%) and China (11%).

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to barley exports from South Korea stood at +7.9%. At the same time, Japan (+47.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Japan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Eastern Asia, with a CAGR of +47.6% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Taiwan (Chinese) (-7.6%) and China (-43.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. South Korea (+62 p.p.), Japan (+14 p.p.) and Taiwan (Chinese) (+10 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while China saw its share reduced by -87.5% from 2012 to 2022, respectively.

In value terms, South Korea ($X) remains the largest barley supplier in Eastern Asia, comprising 67% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by China, with a 6.7% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Korea totaled +8.4%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Japan (+27.1% per year) and China (-34.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 24% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a significant increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 146%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while Taiwan (Chinese) ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+15.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Barley Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

After two years of growth, overseas purchases of barley decreased by -48.2% to X tons in 2022. Overall, imports, however, recorded prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 80%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2021, and then shrank significantly in the following year.

In value terms, barley imports reduced notably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 with an increase of 77% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X, and then contracted rapidly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) represented the main importer of barley, creating 81% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Japan (X tons), generating a 17% share of total imports.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the barley imports, with a CAGR of +8.6% from 2012 to 2022. Japan experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. While the share of China (+18 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Japan (-15.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, China ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported barley in Eastern Asia, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Japan ($X), with a 17% share of total imports.

In China, barley imports expanded at an average annual rate of +10.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Eastern Asia amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of 25% against the previous year. Import price indicated a slight increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, barley import price increased by +51.2% against 2020 indices. As a result, import price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while China totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (+1.4%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :