Argentina: Argentina likely to regain status of world’s second-biggest barley exporter this year

Argentina will likely regain its status as the second-biggest barley exporter as the current harvest wraps up, the Rosario grains exchange said, as the area sown with the crop expanded and other key exporters like Russia expect to ship less, Reuters reported on January 17.

Barley is widely used for livestock feed, as well as to make malt for beer and other alcoholic drinks.

Argentina’s 2024/25 barley crop is forecast to yield 4.9 million metric tons with exports for the cycle seen reaching 3.4 million tons, according to a report by the exchange.

Australia is seen holding on to its status as the world’s top barley exporter, with France likely to take the No. 3 spot.

Argentine farmland planted with barley this season is forecast at 1.6 million hectares, according to official data, which would mark an increase of nearly 9% compared to the previous season.

The current crop’s expected yield is based on a national production estimate of 3,420 kilograms per hectare, the exchange added. Harvesting is seen wrapping up later this month.

The South American nation is also a major global supplier of processed soybeans, corn, and wheat, with proceeds from sales providing central bank coffers with much-needed hard currency.

The top destination in recent years for Argentine barley used for beer has been neighboring Brazil, while China has been its largest export market for barley used to fatten livestock.

The Rosario grains exchange highlighted a recent expansion of Brazil’s malt-producing capacity, which should bolster its expectation for the growth in exports.

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