Barley price and exports static

By FWi staff

BARLEY prices have remained static despite increasing activity at a number of ports.

Fresh export interest is virtually non-existent, particularly outside Europe – and notably Saudi Arabia has made it clear that it is currently not interested in buying barley, said Cargills Ian Wallis.

“The recent surge in Sterling has added further pressure to domestic values that are currently closely linked to the support price,” he added.

Spot barley ex-farm is currently trading at about £69.73/t, following closely the intervention price which is set at £75.68/t for deliveries made today (Wednesday).

At present only about 15,000 tonnes have been offered to intervention stores, much lower than last year when 20,000 tonnes was offered on the first day of the scheme.

Mr Wallis believes the lack in sales is a response to the what he described as the complete lack of demand.