China: 2006 barley imports expected to reach 2.4 million t despite limited supplies

Chinese barley imports in July were 122,000 t, in January/July 1.404 million t, of which 1.035 million t from Australia and 354,000 t from Canada. It still looks like total imports in 2006 will reach 2.4 million t, although international malting barley markets have risen to record high levels and supplies are limited, analyst estimated September 01.

CIF offers to China are called US $ 230.- to 240.-. Private estimates of the Chinese malting barley crop show figures around 2.5 million t, which would leave import needs of only 1.5 million t. However, theory and practice have never been the same in the Chinese malt market.

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