Australian barley exports reach a record in April, Middle East shipments have eased

– Trevor Perryman

The Australian supply chain delivered 1,5mmt of barley to global customers in April, a new monthly export record. There was 1.3mmt of feed barley exported, up 35% from the month before, and 215mmt of malting barley shipped, down 32% from March.

This has pushed the barley exported in the 25/26 marketing year to 8mmt which, with 4 months still to go until the end of September, has almost equaled last year’s total barley exports. Most in the trade believe Australia will export 10mmt this marketing year.

Chinese demand continues to be the primary driver. This destination took another 1.14mmt of feed barley and 166kmt of malting barley in April; making up 86% and 77% respectively of all barley exports

Despite this record trade, exports of Australian barley to the Middle East has slowed since February, presumably due to logistical issues caused by the US/Israel/Iran conflict. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities 1mmt was exported over 5 months while 144mmt was exported in the first 2 months of the war. The recovery of an Australian presence in the region appears to have stalled, for now.