Australia sets a record for barley exports

Australia exported around 9.7 mln tons of barley in the first nine months of the 2025/26 season, including 7.74 mln tons of feed barley and 1.97 mln tons of malting barley. Market participants estimate that total shipments could approach a record 11 mln tons by the end of September.

China remains the main buyer of Australian barley. From October through June, the country imported around 6.18 mln tons of Australian feed barley and 1.53 mln tons of malting barley. Strong Chinese demand and competitive prices early in the season were the main drivers behind the record export pace.

In June, Australia exported a total of 859 thsd tons of barley. Feed barley shipments fell by 6% from May to 615 thsd tons, while malting barley exports unexpectedly jumped by 44% to 244 thsd tons. China accounted for 85% and 90% of these volumes, respectively.

However, export volumes could slow in the coming months due to declining old-crop stocks, higher prices and weaker Chinese demand. Problems with Black Sea wheat supplies are another factor, making Australian wheat more attractive for export relative to barley.

Meanwhile, a large new barley crop is developing across southern Australia, with market participants not ruling out record production. Ample new-crop supplies combined with a potential slowdown in exports could put pressure on domestic barley prices during harvest.

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