World: Barley malt trade estimated at 5.4 MT in 2006/2007

After an increasing trend from 1990�s, barley malt trade has slowed down during the last 3 years, International Grains Council reported May 28. This situation is manly due to the decreasing demand from mature markets and to the growing malting capacity of main importer countries.

Brazil imports are estimated at 970,000 t, slightly higher than in 2005/2006 contrary of those of Japan � steady at 640,000 t and Russia�s � down at 250,000.

Canada exports are estimated under 700,000 t of 2005/2006 due to domestic shortage while Australia�s will increase to 680,000 t.