Russia: IGC estimates the Russian crop at 18 million tonnes, exports at 2.2 million tonnes for 2004/05. Exports July/15 September were 192.000 tonnes. Malting barley demand is 1.1 – 1.2 million tonnes, maltsters believe that the Russian crop will turn out 800,000 tonnes of malting barley, half of which first class quality of West European varieties. Markets for malting barley are quite firm, EUR 120-140- FCA malting factories.

Ukraine: Black Sea barley is the dominating origin in world markets. Fob prices have climbed from a low of USD 70 to 100-110 now. CIF quotes are 136 USD to North Africa and 145 USD to Saudi Arabia. Crop estimates vary from 9.7 (IGC) to 10.6 (Ukrainian analyst) to 11.5 million tonnes (USDA). Exports are expected to reach 3.1 – 3.3 million tonnes, in July/Sept 1.1 million tonnes were actually shipped. Farmers’ sales in July/August of 1.5 million tonnes were less than expected, several government actions support the market and withholding policies of farmers.

Belarus: Government announced purchases of 146,000 tonnes of domestic malting barley, enough for the country’s demand.

10 October, 2004