Ireland: Malt imports total 28,088 tonnes in 2018

28,088 tonnes of malt were imported into Ireland in 2018, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), AgriLand reported on March, 1.

However, it should be noted that a significant proportion of malting barley (AgriLand estimates in the region of 100,000 tonnes) was imported in 2018. This barley would be included in barley (unmilled) imports.

Maize used in the distilling process is a small part of last year’s maize imports. However, it is also estimated to be close to 100,000 tonnes. This maize is included in the ‘maize (unmilled) not including seed’ category.

A large proportion of the malt that was imported traveled across the border from Northern Ireland in 2017 and this amount was matched by the UK.

The category of malt for CSO purposes may include malt flour and malt itself may or may not be roasted.

In 2018, Northern Ireland accounted for a much smaller percentage (1,552 tonnes or 15%) of imports. The majority came from Great Britain (7,032 tonnes or 68%). Insignificant amounts were imported from the US (8 tonnes) and some “unknown (non-EU)” countries (13 tonnes).

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