World: A decline in feed barley use for 2007/08 will be recovered by malting industry in the EU and growing demand for beer in China

World barley production 2007/2008 is forecast by IGC to rise by 10m. tons, to 150m., with bigger crops in the EU, Canada and Australia, according IGC Grain Market Report from 26 April, 2007.

Total barley use in 2007/08 is projected to decrease by 1m. tons, to 146m. A decline in feed use as wheat becomes more competitive in feed markets, particularly in the EU, will be partly balanced by increased industrial use, with a recovery in the malting industry in the EU and growing demand for beer in China.

Underpinned by strong feed demand from Near East Asia, and better malting barley supplies in leading exporting countries, world barley trade is expected to recover by 2m. tons, to 17.6m.