E-Malt.com News article: USA: Barley production is estimated by USDA to decline by 14% to 3.98 million t

Idaho barley prices were up from 10 to 20 cents, Idaho Barley Commission released September 14. USDA reported barley exports for the week ended September 10 of 25,100 t to Algeria, Mexico, and Canada. Net sales reached a marketing year high of 65,200 t as increases to Japan and Taiwan were partially offset by decreases to Algeria.

USDA made no adjustments to the U.S. barley balance sheet in September.

The world barley production is projected to increase by 2% to 140.7 million t, with consumption outpacing production for the second consecutive year. US production is pegged to decline 14% to 3.98 million t.

World barley supplies are estimated to decline 1% to 169.3 million t, while US supplies are now pegged to decline 14% to 6.3 million t.

World barley trade is expected to fall 3% to 17.5 million t. US exports are projected to remain unchanged at 0.4 million t.

World barley consumption is pegged to increase 2% to 145.4 million t, but US usage is expected to fall by 7% to 4.2 million t.

World barley carryover stocks are estimated to decline 16% to 23.9 million t. US carryout is projected to fall 11% to 2.1 million t.

The EU Grains Management Committee approved the sale of 36,400 t of intervention barley stocks (Czech) for export at a min. 97.62 euros/t selling price.

USDA cut their Australian barley export projection this month by 0.3 million t to 4.5 million t due to a drought-reduced crop. Ukraine is now projected to become the largest barley exporter this year, as USDA hiked their exports to a record 5.0 million t this month. Tighter supplies in the EU, Australia, Canada and U.S. mean less competition.

20 September, 2006