Barley exports on the rise - Brief Article

Business Asia, Oct 25, 1999

Demand for schooner barley will strengthen in 1999-2000 with continued growth in export opportunities to Japan and China, according to NSW Grains Board general manager marketing Peter Jeffries.

Figures from the board project China's beer output to reach around 220 million hectolitres for the 2000 calendar year.

Jeffries said part of the growth in demand was associated with an increase in Chinese beer production, which totalled 194 million hectolitres in 1998 and 183 million hectolitres in 1997.

Demand for schooner barley in China is forecast at 1.5 to 1.6 million tonnes, up from the 1998-99 estimate of 1.2 million tonnes.

Jeffries said another grain experiencing strong sales to Asia was sorghum, with strong sales to Japan expected to result in record sales this year.

"Australia has sold about 12 cargoes to Japan so far this year. Total Australian production is expected to be 1.5 or 1.6 million metric tonnes, with 900,000 to 1,000,000 metric tonnes in Queensland and 600,000 metric tonnes in New South Wales," he said.

"Yields in most crops in New South Wales have been well above average, and the area planted is slightly above average.

"The only major importer is Japan, and our competition is coming from Argentina and USA."