- Trade Resumption: Russia shipped about 55,000 tons of barley to Tunisia in Jan–Feb 2026, ending a two-year pause in this trade flow.
- Higher Pricing: The average export price to Tunisia rose to roughly $236/ton FOB, up from about $175/ton in 2024.
- Strong Export Pace: Russian barley exports exceeded 470,000 tons in the first two months of 2026 (excluding EAEU), underscoring resilient global demand.
- Market Tone: Overall impact is neutral to slightly bullish for Black Sea barley prices, supported by renewed North African demand.
Russia–Tunisia Barley Trade Update
Russia has restarted barley exports to Tunisia after a two-year hiatus, with preliminary data from the federal center “Agroexport” indicating that around 55,000 tons were shipped in January–February 2026. These volumes, valued at nearly $13 million, mark the first Russian barley deliveries to the North African buyer since 2024.
In 2024, Tunisia imported a total of 365,000 tons of Russian barley worth more than $64 million over the full year, before the subsequent break in shipments. The 2026 restart signals renewed demand from a traditional Mediterranean barley buyer and reinforces Russia’s role as a key supplier into North Africa.
Price Comparison and Export Dynamics
The average export price for Russian barley shipped to Tunisia in early 2026 is estimated at about $236 per ton FOB, significantly higher than the approximate $175 per ton average recorded in 2024. This price increase reflects tighter global feed grain balances, possible quality premiums, and firmer Black Sea export values.
Beyond Tunisia, Russia’s overall barley export program remains active. In the first two months of 2026, total Russian barley exports exceeded 470,000 tons, excluding deliveries to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partners. This pace highlights sustained international demand for Russian origin barley and underpins current price levels.
| Period / Metric | Volume (tons) | Value (USD million) | Avg. Price (USD/ton FOB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tunisia Imports from Russia, Jan–Feb 2026 | ≈55,000 | ≈13 | ≈236 |
| Tunisia Imports from Russia, Full Year 2024 | 365,000 | >64 | ≈175 |
| Total Russian Barley Exports, Jan–Feb 2026* | >470,000 | n/a | n/a |
*Excludes exports to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states.
Market Impact and Outlook
The market impact of the Russia–Tunisia barley trade restart is best described as neutral to slightly bullish. Renewed buying from a key North African destination, combined with strong early-2026 export volumes, supports firmer Black Sea barley prices. Nonetheless, competition from alternative origins and broader feed grain dynamics may limit further upside in the near term.
Source: Market Data
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