World: Barley markets almost asleep as of the end of September

Contrary to the "big crops" barley markets almost fell asleep by the end of September, H. M. Gauger GmbH said in their October report.

After good crops in the northern hemisphere and promising prospects in Australia, supplies are much larger than last year.

China and Saudi Arabia had been the principal barley importers in the past. China tries to limit all grain imports, even malting barley, which are vital for the Chinese brewing industry. In 2021 China imported 12.5 mln tonnes of barley, in January-August of this year 4.05 mln. The Saudis have successfully changed feed markets from pure barley to mixed feed, using much corn instead of barley. A USDA report shows Saudi barley imports dropped from 6.9 mln tonnes in July/May 2020/21 to 3.9 mln tonnes one year later.

The IGC reports world barley trade of 35 mln tonnes in 2020/21, 33 mln tonnes in 2021/22 and a further drop to 29.5 mln tonnes in 2022/23.

Imports of malting barley have increased lately mainly in Brazil and Mexico. There is, however, one important factor in favour of barley: small and expensive maize supplies will shift much feed demand to the barley market.

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