EU: Barley exports in July-May 2016/17 50% less than last year

EU barley exports over the period 1July 2016 – 30 May 2017 were 4.95 mln tonnes, 50% less than last year, H. M. Gauger GmbH reported.

After the French crop 2016 calamity EU barley prices were never really competitive against Black Sea and Australian barley. The largest destination was Saudi Arabia with 2.2 mln tonnes.

EU imports were 385,000 tonnes, of which 284,000 tonnes duty-free from the Ukraine.

In spite of the disappointing export volume, end of campaign barley stocks in the U.K., France, Germany, Poland and the Baltic States are surprisingly tight. In Poland and the Baltic States exports were large and domestic industries reacted too late to secure their supplies. France had a small crop, but Spain had ample supplies of its own. Feed barley off-take in Germany and the Netherlands has been active all year long, barley feeding may have been underestimated. The malting industries are covered, however, for a shorter after-harvest period than normal. New crop needs must be covered for at least twelve months.

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