World: Malting barley prices moving slightly higher

The world’s malting barley prices are moving slightly higher across the board, with the exception being Argentine malting barley, RMI Analytics said in their December report.

A part of this price strength is a growing market uncertainty linked to geopolitical events, including the looming risk of significant trade conflicts disrupting trade flows. Meanwhile, within the malting barley domain itself, the news remains rather boring with the sustained weak demand leading to a very quiet trade environment.

Argentina has a majority of the upcoming crop still to price, which explains the price decline as the region must remain very competitive. Feed barley prices are supported by news of Russia’s seasonal end of exports in February 2025.

According to RMI Analytics, the two key take-aways are: 1) a price bottom is forming, and 2) global malting barley prices are converging.