Western Africa: Barley Market 2025

Barley Market Size in Western Africa

In 2022, the West African barley market increased by 20% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Overall, consumption showed strong growth. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Barley Production in Western Africa

In value terms, barley production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, showed a slight curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 12% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Mauritania (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of barley production, comprising approx. 96% of total volume. It was followed by Togo (X tons), with a 2.5% share of total production.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in Mauritania was relatively modest.

The average barley yield amounted to X tons per ha in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 3.9% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the barley yield remained 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 barley harvested area in Western Africa dropped slightly to X ha, remaining stable against 2021. Overall, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to barley production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Barley Exports

Exports in Western Africa

In 2022, overseas shipments of barley decreased by -83.5% to X kg, falling for the second year in a row after two years of growth. In general, exports, however, showed buoyant growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 84,174%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, barley exports shrank significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when exports increased by 12,156% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Nigeria (X kg), together finishing at 100% of total export.

Nigeria was also the fastest-growing in terms of the barley exports, with a CAGR of -31.8% from 2012 to 2022. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Nigeria increased by +99 percentage points, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) also remains the largest barley supplier in Western Africa.

In Nigeria, barley exports decreased by an average annual rate of -36.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, rising by 49% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, faced a deep setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the export price increased by 2,356% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for Nigeria.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Nigeria amounted to -6.3% per year.

Barley Imports

Imports in Western Africa

In 2022, overseas purchases of barley increased by 24% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year declining trend. In general, imports recorded a temperate expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 390%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, barley imports dropped remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, imports recorded a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when imports increased by 644%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Nigeria (X tons) was the major importer of barley, making up 81% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Sierra Leone (X tons), achieving a 16% share of total imports.

Nigeria was also the fastest-growing in terms of the barley imports, with a CAGR of +76.7% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Sierra Leone (+51.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of Nigeria (+80 p.p.) and Sierra Leone (+16 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported barley in Western Africa, comprising 89% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Sierra Leone ($X), with a 7.8% share of total imports.

In Nigeria, barley imports expanded at an average annual rate of +65.9% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Western Africa stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -48.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, showed notable growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the import price increased by 91% against the previous year. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Nigeria ($X per ton), while Sierra Leone totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Sierra Leone (+6.1%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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