EU: Maltsters booked export licences for 479,000 t in July-September 2006
In July – September EU maltsters booked export licences for 479,000 t, only 8,000 tons less than last year, experts released October 02. It is an open question, whether the EU malting industry can repeat last year's exports of 2.2 Mill. t. At present many maltsters do not offer malt at all or only limited quantities to international and domestic customers, as they cannot find the barley cover.
On the other hand world beer sales in 2006 are exceptionally good, new malt capacities in Argentina and Australia do not fully compensate the larger malt demand, therefore Europeans have a great chance to maintain their export volume.
Australian and Canadian maltsters have regained market shares, but are now almost sold out. Price levels of EU malt are EUR 330.-/340.- ex works for spring barley malt, (in exceptional places offers are EUR 400.-). Corresponding FOB levels are EUR 350.-/360.-. Esterel malt is quoted at EUR 330.- FOB, in bulk.