Kazakhstan Barley Prices Soar on Strong Export Demand
Barley prices in Kazakhstan have increased due to strong demand from both feed flour producers and exporters. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, feed barley prices rose by KZT 3 thousand per ton over the week to KZT 63-68 thousand per ton.
The export barley prices also saw an increase, with prices on a DAP Saryagash basis rising by $5 per ton to $190-195 per ton. FOB Aktau values gained $5 per ton to $195-200 per ton, while prices on the DAP Dostyk/Altynkol route increased by $2 per ton to $197-202 per ton.
The main destinations for Kazakhstan's barley exports are China and Uzbekistan, but shipments to Iran remain limited due to a shortage of available vessels. The freight from Aktau to northern Iranian ports rose by $4 per ton to $60 per ton, while freight from Astrakhan increased by $9 per ton to $94 per ton.
Domestically, there is also a growing demand for 4th- and 5th-class wheat due to plans by Kazakh authorities to tighten restrictions on imports of Russian wheat. Poultry producers and feed flour manufacturers have stepped up purchases amid these developments.