World: Export sluggishness weighing on barley prices

The continued sluggishness in barley exports, malting barley mainly, is weighing on prices, RMI Analytics said in their latest report.

In a market mostly void of demand, prices are moving lower in an attempt to spark some buying interest but so far with limited success. France malting barley prices are leading the way lower, while the other the other key origins are mostly steady.

Tender activity for malting barley cargos, in limited volumes relative to the availability of malting barley, offers a small glimmer of hope.

With malting barley mostly a non-story, feed barley prices are well-supported at the moment, driven by the wider grain complex where corn and wheat prices are stronger. One positive is feed barley demand consistently reported from Saudi Arabia, where buying has taken place, and more inquiries are in the market. This demand is seen across multiple origins which is supportive to feed barley.