The Ukraine harvested 7.45 million tonnes of barley of variable, predominantly inferior quality. UkrAgroConsult estimates the export surplus at 1.05 million tonnes. Export contracts for 1.29 million tonnes were registered, of which 808,000 tonnes in September, but only 7,000 tonnes in October. One reason for contract registrations was the threat of export taxes. Physical exports were 755,000 tonnes from July until October 27, 2003.

Russia’s barley crop is estimated between 15.5 and 17 million tonnes. Export surplus is 1.2-2.0 million tonnes. Exports during July-August were 585,000 tonnes.

In both countries there is concern about the availability of good quality malting barley. Russia imported 50,000 tonnes in July/August, and may need a few hundred thousand tons in 2003/2004. The Ukrainian industry asked for duty-free imports of 150,000 tons, which, however, were not granted by the government.

19 November, 2003