Barley Prices Rise Due to Increased Costs of Feed Wheat and Corn
After a slight decline, export purchase prices for barley in Ukraine have risen again. This occurred against the backdrop of traders needing to close contracts and farmers holding back on sales. The increase in prices was also driven by a sharp rise in the costs of feed corn and wheat.
This is reported by AgroReview
Analysts from the electronic grain exchange GrainTrade note that two weeks ago, prices for feed barley delivered to ports were 10,600–10,700 UAH/ton. Last week, they dropped to 10,200–10,300 UAH/ton, but since Monday, they have risen again by 100–200 UAH/ton, reaching 10,300–10,400 UAH/ton or 222–224 $/ton. At the same time, prices for corn and wheat in Black Sea ports increased by 200–300 UAH/ton, reaching 10,700–10,800 UAH/ton or 227–230 $/ton.
Dynamics of Barley Exports
From March 1 to March 17, barley exports increased from 42,000 to 48,000 tons compared to the same period in February. However, this is significantly lower than the export figure in March 2024, which was 266,000 tons. Overall, in the 2024/25 marketing year (as of March 17), Ukraine exported 2.2 million tons of barley, which is 16% more than in the same period of the previous season (1.89 million tons).
Tenders and the Global Market
Amid rising prices for feed barley, corn, and wheat, processors have intensified their purchases, raising prices for feed and malting barley to 11,000–11,400 UAH/ton delivered to the plant. Global barley prices remain stable due to increased supply volumes from Australia and Canada. Recent tenders indicate restrained demand and low prices for new crop barley.
On March 19, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Jordan purchased 60,000 tons of feed barley of unspecified origin from Olam at a tender for delivery between August 1 and 15 at a price of 236.5 $/ton C&F. Other companies participating in the tender included Vittera, Bunge, CHC, Cargill, Ameropa, Olam, Al Dahra, and Agrochirnogi. The next tender for the purchase of 120,000 tons of feed barley of unspecified origin is scheduled for March 26.
“The lack of supply supports barley prices.”