Australia: Barley crop 2024 shipments continue at good pace

The execution of barley crop’24 shipments continues at a good pace, led by Western Australia which contributed greatly to the final result of 11.9 mln tonnes, RMI Analytics said in their early February report.

With the struggles in South Australia and parts of western Victoria, Western Australia’s good result with a record barley crop has supported Australia regaining a majority market share for Chinese barley imports; in 2024 Australia commanded 77.4% of total imports. Mexico and South America exports continue but in the case of Mexico shipments are down 58.3% from 2023 levels.

Looking ahead to crop’25, a bit of moisture on the east coast is helpful but more is needed to build sufficient sub-soil moisture. The good crop‘24 results in New South Wales and Western Australia have farmers positive toward 2025 barley area, plus a return to average yields in South Australia and Victoria is expected.