World: Barley crop 2025 forecast increased due to significant adjustments in Australia’s crop size

RMI Analytics’ forecast for world barley crop 2025 is increased by 1.5 mln tonnes to reach a total of 146.3 mln tonnes. This increase is primarily due to a significant upward adjustment in Australia's crop size, alongside slight improvements in the EU27+UK, Russia, and Argentina.

In addition to higher production levels, the current crop development suggests an average or slightly above-average quality outcome for malting barley, the analysts said in their latest report.

Without any enhancements in demand, ending stocks are expected to rise, particularly in the six major barley regions. This situation creates a very comfortable supply environment for 2026, with ample malting barley stocks for the sluggish demand from the brewing and distilling industry.

While it is prudent to await the final harvest outcomes from Canada and the southern hemisphere, which are not 100% certain, the general forecast for crop '25 looks exceptionally bright in terms of quality availability. Considering the current demand, there is likely to be considerable competition for any open demand positions when they surface.