EU & UK & Russia: Barley supply situation secure across Europe

Barley crop forecast for the EU-27 + UK is stable at 58.37 mln tonnes (slightly up from 58.24 mln in the late October forecast), RMI Analytics said in their November report.

Within this supply there is a good proportion of malting quality due to favourable harvest conditions, the analysts said.

Reports from Russia continue to point to a massive barley (and wheat) crop, RMI’s estimate is 22.5 mln tonnes (up from 22 mln), and this might be the largest Russian barley crop in history.

Exports from the EU-27 and Russia are increasing due to a higher reliance upon Europe to fill barley demand globally (feed and malting).

As winter crop planting advances (France 80% complete versus 76% last year), moisture conditions are improving across Europe and it is even too wet in Russia. This is also improving water levels in the river transport system, which was severely low this past summer.

A secure supply situation across Europe exists from crop 2022 and winter crop 2023 is starting positively. Brewers and maltsters appear comfortably covered for 2023 needs. Ukraine’s grain corridor is shutting on November 19 and Russia intends to increase their own export volumes globally, to address a lingering tight grain balance sheet.

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