24 January, 2025

UK: UK barley exports remain slow

From the start of the current marketing year, UK barley exports have been at a significantly low level. The key reason for this is falling demand from EU countries, on the back of a stronger sterling and increased production in the EU. Slightly lower nitrogen levels in the domestic crop this season have also limited export potential in some cases, AHDB reported on January 24.

On average, over the last 5 years, 88% of all UK barley exports have gone to EU countries. In the 2024/25 marketing year (from July to November) barley exports were 68 % lower than the five-year average for this period at 189.3 Kt. Compared to the same period last season when exports totalled 330.9 Kt, exports in the 2024/25 season are down 43%.

While UK exports are less competitive on global markets due to a stronger sterling, sluggish demand also plays a part. According to the EU commission, barley imports into the EU this season up to 19 January were down 41% on year earlier levels. As mentioned above this is likely due to the 5% rise in EU barley production, and increased maize imports in the EU on the back of more competitive pricing.

In our November supply and demand estimates, the balance of UK supplies versus forecast usage suggests a tighter than average barley balance this year of 2.051 Mt. From this balance, there is an additional operating stock requirement of 800 Kt (the amount of old crop grain needed in the new season until new crop can be utilised). As such, there is 1.251 Mt of barley available for either export or free stock, again below average. Therefore, even with a low level of UK barley exports, it’s likely that we will end the season with lower than usual ending stocks.

Despite this, while base feed barley prices have been supported while tracking global markets, domestic premiums have been under pressure due to steady demand from brewers, maltsters and distillers, and a decent quality malting crop.

Looking further ahead, the UK barley area is forecast to decline for harvest 2025, and along with potentially lower opening stocks next season, we could see some overall support moving forward. However, any potential support in malting prices specifically will be limited by doubts over domestic demand for the higher quality grain.

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