China: Barley imports in January-March were 55 % higher than a year ago

China’s barley imports in January-March were 880,000 tonnes, 55 % higher than a year ago. IGC expects total imports of 2.1 million tonnes for the year. Origins were Australia with 506,000 tonnes and Canada with 347,000 tonnes. EU exports to China may total 100-150,000 tonnes, therefore Chinese import (customs-clearance) figures will continue to increase during the summer months. In June-October purchases from the EU should be most advantageous for China, as Australia and Canada run out of old crop stocks.