Ukrainian barley exports in the 2025/26 marketing year demonstrate changes in the geography of supplies and reorientation to new markets. For the period July-November, the export volume amounted to 1.2 million tons, which is 37% less compared to the same period last year, APK Inform reports.

The most noticeable trend was the activation of purchases by Turkey. This country increased imports of Ukrainian barley by 6.4 times - to 233 thousand tons, becoming the second largest buyer after China. Turkey's share in the export market was 20%, which makes it a key driver of supply growth.

China, which remains the largest importer of Ukrainian barley, reduced purchases by 31%, purchasing 42% of all grain shipments. Libya, which ranked third among buyers, also reduced purchases by 37%, securing a 12% share.

Analysts note that November barley exports decreased by 50% compared to the same month last year and amounted to 78.2 thousand tons. Despite the temporary reduction in supplies, the total potential for barley exports in the 2025/26 season is forecast at 2.5 million tons, which is 11% higher than last year.

The gross barley harvest is estimated at 5.3 million tons, which creates a resource for further increasing exports, in particular to new markets where Ukrainian grain products are in demand. Reorienting supplies allows reducing dependence on traditional buyers and diversifying the geography of exports.

Thus, Turkey becomes a strategic partner for Ukraine in the field of barley exports, and the overall market structure demonstrates the growing role of new buyer countries in maintaining the stability of the Ukrainian agricultural sector.