World: Barley supplies large after record crop in 2019

World barley supplies are large after the record crop of 2019, H. M. Gauger GmbH analysts said in their May report.

IGC estimates the new crop 5 mln tonnes lower, at 151 mln tonnes.

Drought in Europe, a smaller acreage in Argentina, but excellent prospects in Australia, are presently the major market factors. North Africa will need larger imports this year after a long drought, particularly in Morocco, according to industry observers.

Saudi Arabia purchased 600 thousand tonnes in July/August, a disappointing start of the new campaign after a small import year (6.6 mln tonnes) in 2019/20.

In April, China purchased large quantities of feed barley from Australia and Canada for April/May shipment.