China: Chinese malting barley imports increased in January-February this year

In January-February 2005 China imported 344,000 metric tons, 80 % more than in January-February 2004. It remains to be seen, whether the trend will continue, especially after the coming Chinese barley harvest.

Purchases of 600,000 metric tonnes of Canadian and about 500,000 metric tonnes of Australian barley are now accompanied by purchases from the EU, estimates run from 50,000 to 100,000 metric tonnes, mainly six-row winter barley Esterel from France, but also some Scarlett spring barley, according to analysts. Part of the sales from Canada and Australia, but all EU sales are shipped by container.

27 April, 2005