In its report of July 29 the International Grain Council increased its figure of world trade of malt from 4,27 Mill. to 4,43 Mill. tons in 2003/04.

It cited the unexpected rise of shipments to Venezuela as well as larger demand in Southeast Asia, South Africa and Mexico. Shipments to Russia have not declined as much as feared, but will do so in future. The IGC hopes for a higher beer output in Japan, as general economic prospects improve.

Finally the report mentions the reduction of world trade by 300.000 tons, as this figure is moved from world to internal EU-trade.

18 August, 2004