Australian Barley Prices Hit Four-Year Low Amid Weak Demand

Barley prices in Australia have hit their lowest level since January 2022 due to weak demand and ample supply. The price of old-crop barley delivered to Melbourne has dropped to AUD 323/t, which is AUD 33/t below AGP wheat prices.

Agricultural consultant Colin Peace notes that growers are struggling to secure buyers for both BAR1 feed barley and malting barley late in the season. New-crop BAR1 barley on a Victorian port basis fell another AUD 6/t over the week to AUD 286/t.

This price drop is attributed to domestic supply continuing to outpace demand, despite a strong recovery of demand from China since trade restrictions were removed. Australia exported a record 8.7 million tons of barley to China in the last financial year.