Top-10 Barley Consuming Countries in the World 2024

Barley, a versatile and resilient cereal grain, plays a crucial role in global agriculture and food production. Known for its adaptability to various climates, barley is used in numerous applications, from brewing beer to feeding livestock and as a healthful ingredient in human diets. As of 2024, the following countries lead the world in barley consumption, driven by their agricultural practices, dietary preferences, and industrial needs.

Worldwide Barley Consumption

The European Union holds the largest share of global barley consumption, similar to its dominance in barley production. Between the 2012/13 and 2015/16 seasons, the EU consumed approximately 51-53 million tons of barley. In comparison, the volume of barley traded internationally over the past three seasons ranged from 22 to 29.2 million tons.

Top-10 Barley Consuming Countries in the World 2024

European Union with the barley consumption of 52,200,000 metric tonnes, stands as the largest barley consumer in the world, followed by Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia and China.

Here is the list of top-10 barley consuming countries in the world 2024:

Top-10 Barley Consuming Countries in the World 2024
Rank	Country	Barley Consumption (in 1000 metric tons)
1.	European Union	52,200
2.	Russian Federation	14,400
3.	Saudi Arabia	8,025
4.	China	7,600
5.	Canada	6,700
6.	Turkey	6,050
7.	Ukraine	4,900
8.	Iran	4,800
9.	United States	4,177
10.	Australia	3,000

Largest Barley Consumer in the World – European Union

Barley Consumption: 52,200,000 metric tons

The European Union (EU-27) is the world’s largest barley consumer, with an annual domestic consumption of 52.2 million metric tons. This substantial demand underscores the EU’s leading role in both barley production and consumption, significantly surpassing other regions. The EU’s extensive use of barley spans various industries, including animal feed and brewing, driving its high consumption levels.

Second Largest Country in terms of Barley Consumption – Russian Federation

Barley Consumption: 14,400,000 metric tons

The Russian Federation ranks as the second-largest barley consumer in the world, with an annual domestic consumption of 14.4 million metric tons. This substantial usage is driven by the country’s significant livestock sector and brewing industry, making barley an essential component of its agricultural and industrial practices.

World’s Third Largest Barley Consuming Country – Saudi Arabia

Barley Consumption: 8,025,000 metric tonnes

Saudi Arabia is the third-largest barley consumer globally, with an annual domestic consumption of 8.025 million metric tons. The country’s high barley demand is primarily fueled by its large-scale use in livestock feed, essential for supporting its extensive animal husbandry sector in arid conditions where alternative feed sources are limited.