World: Demand for imported barley rising faster than production

Demand for imported barley is rising faster than production, according to the International Grains Council (IGC) November crop report released last week.

Despite a tight supply outlook, global barley trade in 2018/19 (Jul/Jun, excluding malt) is forecast at 30 million tonnes, which is 500,000 tonnes higher than last year and 6% higher than the 5-year average.

Some very low EU barley yields last summer cut 2018/19 world barley production to 140 million tonnes (Mt), compared with the average of the five previous years of 146 mln tonnes.

IGC has predicted demand by users in China and Saudi Arabia, the world’s major barley importers, will hold strong.

Latest data shows China’s usage over 10 years. Feed use in 2018/19 would be at its second-highest level (5.2 mln tonnes) and industrial use at 4.7 mln tonnes would be around 500,000 tonnes greater than its five-year average.

Feed barley usage in Saudi Arabia in 2018/19 is projected to be 7.9 mln tonnes, around 1 mln tonnes less than the five-year average.