World: Malting barley markets in disarray since Chinese ban on Australian barley

Malting barley markets are in disarray since the Chinese ban on Australian barley. Poor crops in North America added to the tightness of supplies, H. M. Gauger GmbH said in their latest report earlier in July.

Prices, i.e. premiums of malting above feed barley rose to US$60 in overseas markets, but up to US$150 in the EU.

China is supposed to use more domestic barley and wheat, but will need 3.5 mln tonnes of imports anyway. Canada can supply an estimated 1.5 to 2.0 mln tonnes of malting and feed barley, imports from France and Argentina will depend on new crop qualities and price levels.

France will satisfy the demand of Mediterranean and African countries, and part of the Mexican demand.

Australia, the loser in China, is the winner is other Asia, North and South America.