China: Prospects on Chinese malt demand

The Chinese Malting Industry estimates the malt demand for 2006 at 2.8 million tonnes equal 3.5 million tonnes of malting barley. 1,4 Million tonnes are expected from domestic production, 2.1 million tonnes from imports.

2005 imports January/July are of 1.433 million tonnes. Large maltsters expect total imports in 2005 about 2.0, but in 2006 2.3-2.4 million tonnes.

At present markets are inactive, Chinese buyers hope for lower markets, as consequence of good crops in Canada and Australia. Present offers are in the high 190’s (US $) from Canada and Australia, US $ 205,- from Denmark. There is a strong trend towards a concentration of the industry and an expansion of capacities by the maltsters along the coast.

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