Barley prices in Ukraine have decreased due to falling export demand

Due to weak demand for feed barley from traditional importers of Ukrainian grain, exporters have lowered purchase prices in Ukrainian ports to the level of prices for the new harvest.

Middle Eastern countries are currently very cautious in contracting a new barley crop due to the blockade of the Persian Gulf and a higher than last year's own grain harvest.

 

Jordan's state grain buyer on Wednesday made no purchases in an international tender for 120,000 tonnes of feed barley after only one bid was submitted, which was deemed too expensive. The tender has been postponed to the end of May.

 

Export demand prices for feed barley in Ukraine decreased by 300–400 UAH/t to 10,400–10,500 UAH/t or $208–210/t with delivery to Black Sea ports, actually reaching the price level of the new harvest.

 

As of May 17, in the first 14 days of the month, Ukraine exported only 5 thousand tons of barley, and total exports since the beginning of the 2025/26 season are 1.67 million tons, which is 56% less than a year earlier, when 2.67 million tons were exported.

This may lead to an increase in carryover stocks at the start of the new season. At the same time, farmers are counting on a possible increase in the price of the new barley crop against the backdrop of rising prices for feed corn to $230/t in Black Sea ports and for feed wheat to $217–218/t.

 

According to ASAP Agri, Romanian new crop barley is currently cheaper than Ukrainian and looks more competitive on export markets. Romanian barley is being offered at around €191/t FOB Constanta, equivalent to around $225/t FOB for July delivery, while Ukrainian barley is trading at around $230/t FOB.

 

According to the European Commission, Romania could harvest around 3 million tons of barley in 2026. Although this will be less than last year, the harvest will still remain significantly higher than the average production level in the country, which will allow Romania to maintain a strong position in export markets.

 

Ukraine has had favorable precipitation, which has improved the condition of crops, so the barley harvest is expected to be at last year's level - about 5.5 million tons.