Australia's August grain exports soften as feed barley and sorghum fall
Australia exported 619,445 tonnes of barley and 220,599 tonnes of sorghum in August, according to ABS data. Feed barley shipments fell 27 percent from July to 428,200 tonnes, while malting barley rose slightly to 191,245 tonnes. China was the dominant buyer, and a broker expects barley exports to keep easing as the new harvest begins.
Australia's August barley shipments totaled 619,445 tonnes, with feed barley at 428,200 tonnes, down from July's 583,191 tonnes. Malting barley edged up to 191,245 tonnes from 190,852 tonnes. China took most of both categories and nearly all sorghum, while Japan and Vietnam were smaller buyers.
Sorghum exports reached 220,599 tonnes. A broker said barley flows are expected to keep slowing through November because export supplies are tightening and Chinese demand has eased, with Black Sea competition also appearing. Australia's new barley crop may be record-sized, potentially requiring longer storage, while northern sorghum planting needs rain.
Lower feed barley and sorghum shipments may soften returns for Australian growers and related rural businesses, especially if large harvests meet sluggish demand. Exporters and storage operators could face longer holding periods and higher costs. Importing markets, particularly China, may see ample supply, while price pressure could affect farm liquidity and planting decisions. Rain timing for northern sorghum may shape future availability.