Brazil, the worlds largest malt importer, is forecast by International Grains Council (IGC) to register 850 thousand tonnes of malt (grain equivalent) import during 2004-2005 (July/June), versus 810 thousand tonnes last year, and against 880 thousand tonnes in 2002/03. According to IGC, the malt import needs of Brazil will be limited in the future by the ample supply of South American malting barley and increased malting capacity.