Canada sold fairly large quantities of malt to Japan recently. Most of the Canadian/U.S. industry is in a comfortable position, having sold most of its production for the present crop year, according to ananlysts. The industry is closing unprofitable factories in the Midwest. In the Western U.S. three new malthouses are being built or will be built, respectively. Brewing industries moved westwards so did the barley growing. Railway tariffs for barley transport to the malthouses and malt shipments to brewers are less advantageous for some malthouses east of North Dakota. Contrary to their European colleagues the North American maltsters are strong enough to adapt themselves to a changed market constellation.

23 March, 2004