EU & UK: Volatility returns to barley markets this week

Volatility returned this week to European barley markets with Russia’s exit and then re-entry into the Ukrainian grain corridor agreement, RMI Analytic said in their latest report.

Grain futures responded quickly and dramatically (up and down).

The Paris wheat futures activity this week made it difficult to define the market price levels, with the wide swings.

China has reportedly bought two further Panamax cargoes of French FAQ barley amidst Argentina concerns.

Overall prices are up slightly. France’s premium over the UK and Denmark remains, while maltsters are active in crop 2023, indicating a certain level of contentment with crop 2022 coverage levels at this time.

With a clear exportable surplus in both the UK and Denmark, these origins remain Europe’s residual malting barley supply as France pursues export (e.g. China). Maltsters in both the UK and continental Europe are exploring English malting barley supply despite the premium over Danish barley.

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