China: This year barley production is estimated at 3.66 million tonnes (last year 2.717 million tonnes). However selection of malting barley less than 1 million tonnes versus 1.3-1.4 million tonnes last year. Imports of malting barley January-August 1.226 million tonnes. Malting barley needs minimum 3 million tonnes, imports est. 2004/05 2 million tonnes, market exports revealed. It is feared that cheaper low quality (feed) barley imports will distort markets.

13 November, 2004