EU: All new barley business centred upon crop 2022

EU barley crop 2021 is virtually sold out and the trade is trying to execute their current trade book, RMI Analytics reported earlier this month.

All new business is centred upon crop 2022, and although trade activity is slow, underlying demand remains in place.

French barley prices are generally lower for crop 2022 in quiet trade as the market returns from holidays. For barley crop 2021 there is very little barley available for trade and this is keeping prices steady. Premiums have widened as wheat futures have moved lower.

Danish barley prices are slightly weaker, while UK prices are up a bit, bringing both together. For crop 2021, UK maltsters have open demand to fill and further Danish needs could be required for North America. In crop 2022, Danish trade activity continues but the UK market is quiet due to domestic prices being a premium over export price levels.