Barley: 2003-04 barley production in Canada and Australia returned to average levels after 2002 drought, CWB revealed in a statement. US crop was up to 6.3 million tonnes. EU crop decreased. Reduced European supplies create opportunities for Western Canada.

Malting barley: There was registered weaker global demand of malting barley, particularly in Asia and some increased demand in Eastern Europe. Improved crops of malting barley in North America and Australia were recorded compared to 2002. Weaker US demand for six-row malting barley because of its own high quality crop. Chinese demand in malting barley is to double and Latin American imports are to increase by 50%.

02 April, 2004