Barley prices in Ukrainian ports exceed corn prices: what’s behind the trend

A curious trend is observed in the grain market in Ukraine: the price of barley in ports exceeds the cost of corn. This situation has become a subject of discussion among farmers and experts, because previously these crops were at the same price level, and in some cases corn was even more expensive. But what is behind this shift in price benchmarks?

According to the latest data, the average price of barley in Ukrainian ports as of early February 2025 is about 210-215 US dollars per ton. This is almost 5% more than the price of corn, which is currently estimated at 200-205 dollars per ton. This situation in the grain market arose due to a number of factors, among which changes in export supplies and domestic demand for these crops can be distinguished.

One of the main reasons for the increase in barley prices is the decrease in production of this crop in the main exporting countries. In the EU and Australia, which are traditionally the main suppliers of barley to international markets, the harvest this year was significantly smaller due to adverse weather conditions. This led to a decrease in supply volumes and, accordingly, to an increase in the price of barley.

Another important reason is the demand for barley from Chinese buyers. China is actively purchasing this crop for use in feed production, which creates additional pressure on the market. Given the increase in demand, Ukrainian barley suppliers are forced to adjust prices upwards, which also affects the situation in ports.

As for corn, there is usually less demand for it compared to barley, which is also reflected in the price level. Although Ukraine remains one of the world’s largest corn exporters, reduced demand from traditional importers and poor crop quality this year have contributed to some price declines. As a result, corn has lost its competitiveness on the international market compared to barley.

These changes in the grain market create additional challenges for farmers who have to plan their crops and export strategies in the face of such price volatility. Therefore, farmers are increasingly paying attention to which crops are more profitable from an economic point of view, which in turn may lead to a shift in the structure of sown areas in the coming years.

Given the current situation on the grain market, experts predict that this trend may continue in the coming months, as unexpected changes in global markets and unpredictable weather conditions may affect the price level. Ukrainian farmers should be ready to adapt and be flexible in their strategies in order to make the most of variable price conditions.