Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Australia barley exports December reached 1.223 million tons, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Moreover, this total included 349,000 tons of malting barley and 875,000 tons of feed barley. This was the largest barley export month since December 2023, with malting volumes rising more than fivefold from November.
Australia Barley Exports December: Market Breakdown by Destination
China remained the main buyer of feed barley, purchasing about 700,000 tons, or 80% of total exports of this type. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia (159,000 tons) and Vietnam (6,600 tons) were the second largest markets in terms of volume. Meanwhile, malting barley was mainly exported to China (262,000 tons), with Saudi Arabia (67,000 tons) and South Korea (14,700 tons) in second and third place.
Sorghum Export Trends and Price Analysis
Sorghum exports in December fell by 56% compared to November, to 12,900 tons. Additionally, China, the Philippines, and Taiwan remained the main markets.
Analysts note that record barley production and active sales from Western Australia have kept prices high on the global feed grain market. Consequently, demand from China and the Middle East remains strong, and supplies for the first months of 2026 are forecast to be high.
Export Progress and Season Outlook
According to McDonald Pelz senior broker Sam Roach, about 60% of expected exports have already been shipped. Moreover, by the end of February, this share could rise to 70%. Barley demand stays stable, and high market activity will continue until season end due to strong supplies and competitive prices.