Ukraine exports 41,000 tonnes of barley from 2023 harvest, demand on domestic market growing

MOSCOW. Oct 25 (Interfax) - Ukraine has exported 41,000 tonnes of barley from this year's harvest owing to more active operations of Odessa ports, although the domestic market still accounts for principal demand for this crop, Ukrainian media have reported with reference to a presentation by the Ukrainian Agrarian Council's (UAC) Pusk analytical cooperative at a weekly press briefing on October 24.

"Export demand for barley has been growing. Demand for barley at a price of about $118-$120 per tonne certified for shipment to China has been observed in Odessa. These prices have been named for delivery to Odessa before November 10. As much as 50,000 tonnes of barley to be shipped to China has been sold for November. Therefore, it would be reasonable to expect that exports [of barley] via Odessa ports would continue. There will be no significant growth in prices, although the indexes might rise by $5 per tonne," it said.

No barley has been traded via Danube ports thus far, even though the indicative price for that route is $125 to $130 per tonne. The highest prices, $135 to $140 per tonne on DAP terms, have been recorded on Ukraine's western border (Chop), although demand via this route is not high, it said.

"Principal demand has been focused on the domestic market, with processing plants acting as the key buyers. The purchasing prices are currently in the range of UAH 4,500 to 4,800 per tonne, and no significant chances are expected within coming weeks," UAC said.