China became the largest importer of Kazakh barley

Barley production will increase this season in Kazakhstan. Such data is provided by the US Department of Agriculture in its latest analytical report. The producers estimate the production volumes at 3.25 mln tons due to the higher yield forecast.

“In 2023/24 marketing year, the planted areas under barley are expected to change slightly compared to the previous year. Grain producers estimate the barley production in 2024/25 MY at 3.25 mln tonnes due to the higher yield forecast of 13 centners per hectare. Preliminary estimates from grain traders increase the yield forecast by 17%,” the document says.

Many farmers who grow barley reported their intention to continue sowing it in the next season, as there is a high demand for it from the domestic feed industry.

However, according to US analysts, plans for barley planting may be called into question due to the lack of available seeds on the market.

In 2024/25 MY, barley exports are estimated at 1.5 mln tonnes due to higher production prospects. This estimate is based on competitive export prices and traders’ expectations of sustained demand from China.

As the ban on imports of wheat by road, water and rail from the EAEU countries was extended for another six months from April 12, 2024, the authorities report an increase in barley and oilseeds imports to Kazakhstan. Based on this information, barley imports in 2024/25 MY are estimated at 0.5 mln tonnes.

It is also reported that the growth of production led to the increase of exports: from July to February of 2023/2024 MY the exports amounted to 939 000 tons, which is almost 30% more than in the same period last year.

Since the beginning of MY, China became the largest importer of Kazakh barley. Chinese imports increased almost 4 times compared to the same period last year and amounted to 723,000 tons.

This increase is explained by the high demand for animal feed and relatively favorable prices for Kazakh barley for China compared to other suppliers.

Uzbekistan became the second largest importer of barley (123 thousand tons).

At the same time, Iran’s imports dropped significantly to 41,000 tons, down 87%. Traders note that Iran continues to switch to Russian barley.

Tags: China, Kazakhstan, export, barley, crop forecast