In former years there was a clear split-up between domestic and international malt sales campaign. EU brewers except for the British purchased their malt up to 6 to 8 months ahead of harvest, in order to be assured of price levels, prepare production schedules and budget. In international markets, however, action had to wait for publication of EU export restitutions. As the EU exported 50-60 % of the world volume, even East European and overseas maltsters waited to know the restitution before entering markets.

18 April, 2003