World: Barley production to decline slightly in 2020/21

Global barley production in 2020/21 is projected to decline slightly from the 2019/20 record, but remain relatively high compared to historical levels, driven by Canada, the European Union, Russia, and Australia, USDA said in its May report.

According to the analysts, total barley production in 2020/21 could reach 154.183 mln tonnes vs. 156.079 mln in 2019/20.

The Australian crop is forecast to reach its largest level in 4 years (since 2016/17) � 9.7 mln tonnes - with a favorable early season, while production for the others returns to more historical levels.

Global trade declines slightly, supported by weaker import demand primarily from China, the EU, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. According to the analysts, total barley trade in 2020/21 may reach 25.598 mln tonnes vs. 25.752 mln in 2019/20.

Total barley consumption is forecast at 152.724 mln tonnes in 2020/21 (151.825 mln in 2019/20) and ending stocks at 23.507 mln tonnes (22.048 mln in the current marketing year).