Nearly 150,000 tonnes of barley were exported from Moldova last year, almost four times more than in 2022 (35,600 tonnes), but by 18.1% less than in 2021 (182,800 tonnes). The average export price was 3.25 lei/kg, the lowest value in the last three years, IPN reports.
According to “Agrocereale” Association of Exporters and Importers of Agricultural and Cereal Products, the low wheat and corn prices also pushed barley prices down. Under DAP Constanta conditions, at the end of February 2024 the barley costs €160 per tonne. Although it is higher than the price of corn, the decrease in the price of barley for one year was of €80 per tonne in Constanta.
Barley exports in the 2023-2024 season, from July 2023 to January 2024, amounted to 141,000 tonnes, which is equivalent to 78-83% of the global harvest of 170,000-180,000 tonnes estimated at country level.
As for the average export price of barley by months, in December 2023 the value dropped to 2.82 lei/kg. In January 2024, the price returned to 3.63 lei/kg. A year ago in December, the average export values for barley were 5.26 lei/kg.
Of the 149,700 tonnes of barley exported in 2023, 97% were exported by 20 leading companies. “Agrofloris-Nord” SRL took the first place, with a share of 15% or a total exported volume of 22,600 tonnes. Two companies hold equal shares of 14% – “Demir-Agro” SRL (21,300 tonnes) and “Orom-Imexpo” SRL (21,200 tonnes)
The Association of Exporters and Importers of Agricultural and Cereal Products noted that no barley was imported into the Republic of Moldova between July 2023 and January 2024. It is estimated that on February 1, 2024, there were 20,000-25,000 tonnes of barley in Moldova. This volume is sufficient to cover domestic feed needs and to also continue exporting.
