UK: Barley exports this season down 27% on the year
UKs barley exports this season to date (Jul-Jan) have totalled 494.7 Kt, down 27% on the year, and down 39% on the five-year average, AHDB reported on March 19.
Much like wheat, a slightly tighter domestic balance, as well as changes in global demand for feed barley is the cause for more sluggish exports. In AHDBs latest estimates, the barley balance was forecast at 2.13 Mt, 7% tighter on the year.
So far this season, barley imports have totalled 99.0 Kt, more than double imports at the same point last season and the five-year average. Again, the tighter availability of high-quality domestic malting barley, combined with stable demand from the brewing malting and distilling industries has led to the firm pace this season.