Export of barley and sorghum from Australia is normal

11-Feb-2025 04:51 PM

The export of barley and sorghum from Australia remains stable, with China continuing to be the most significant buyer despite a decreasing share compared to the U.S. market. In the quarter from October to December 2024, Australia exported 1.18 million tonnes of feed barley and 448,210 tonnes of malt barley.

China was the largest importer of both categories. The feed barley export to China was the highest at 886,410 tonnes, followed by smaller exports to Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Peru.

In the case of malt barley, China imported 327,443 tonnes, and other notable importers included Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Vietnam.

Sorghum exports also showed fluctuations, reaching a total of 260,000 tonnes in the October-December quarter. China was the dominant market, importing over 216,000 tonnes, with smaller exports to Kenya and Taiwan.

Trade analysts are concerned that China might enter into agreements with the U.S. to bypass import duties on agricultural products, including barley and sorghum.

If such an agreement is reached, it could directly impact Australia’s export market. Despite this uncertainty, the demand from China has been driving the growth in Australia’s coarse grain production.