The Ukrainian barley market remains price-stable. At the same time, trading of the new crop is gradually gaining momentum, shaping expectations for the coming months. The market is also influenced by a new tender in Turkey, which supports global prices.

This is reported by analysts of the First Ukrainian Agricultural Cooperative (FUAC), established within the Ukrainian Agri Council.

“Currently, the key factor for the market is the Turkish tender. According to preliminary estimates, more than 200 thousand tons of barley will be purchased with delivery in March–May. This is a fairly significant volume that affects the supply and demand balance in the Black Sea region,” the analysts note.

In the domestic Ukrainian market, prices for old-crop barley remain relatively stable.

“Current prices are in the range of UAH 10,800–11,100 per ton. At the same time, considering the exchange rate, it would be logical to expect levels closer to UAH 11,200–11,400 per ton. However, such indications are not yet observed in the market. This suggests restrained demand. Market participants are not ready to actively raise prices, and no significant changes in old-crop barley prices are expected in the next 1–1.5 months,” the FUAC predicts.

At the same time, trading of new-crop barley is gradually intensifying. The first price indications are already emerging on the market, shaping producers’ expectations.

“Trading of the new crop is starting to gain momentum. For standard quality, current bid prices are at $205–207 per ton, while for ‘Chinese’ quality buyers are willing to pay $210–211 per ton. In the coming weeks, significant changes in these levels are unlikely. Theoretically, the new crop may gain a few more dollars, but this will not be a sharp movement. More active sales can be expected in April–May,”the analysts believe.