Export barley prices in Ukraine are falling due to reduced demand

The cost of barley on the Ukrainian market has gone down again – exporters and processors have already formed the necessary volumes for work.

Last week, export quotes increased to 10,400–10,450 UAH/t, but at the beginning of this week they dropped to 10,300–10,350 UAH/t ($215–217/t) with delivery to Black Sea ports. Grain Trade writes about this.

The situation on the market is explained by the fact that traders have closed most of the deals. Additionally, the market is pressured by a decrease in the cost of food wheat ($217–220/t) and feed wheat ($200–206/t).

In the new marketing year (2025/26), Ukraine has already exported 562 thousand tons of barley, which is almost half as much as last year (1.09 million tons). Demand for malting barley is also declining: malting plants have stopped accepting due to a shortage of free warehouses after active summer purchases.

Purchase prices for malting barley have decreased to UAH 10,400–10,500/t with delivery to the plant. Some contracts provide for deliveries only in October–November.

Previously, significant support for prices was provided by exports to China. The State Service for Food and Consumer Protection of Ukraine updated the list of companies allowed to supply in accordance with joint protocols with China. However, demand from Chinese importers is currently declining against the backdrop of expectations of a high corn harvest.

As USM wrote the day before, Ukraine has introduced an export duty on soybeans and rapeseed.