Australia reports barley and sorghum exports for MY 2024/25

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Australia exported 8.23 million tonnes of barley and 2.5 million tonnes of sorghum in the 2024/25 marketing year, ending in September 2025. Of the total barley exports, 7 million tonnes were feed barley and 1.22 million tonnes malting barley. China remained the largest buyer, accounting for more than 70% of exports of both types of barley.

September barley shipments totaled 273,944 tonnes of feed barley and 35,704 tonnes of malting barley. Compass Grain director Sam Roache noted that the lower volumes in September were due to limited carry-over stocks rather than a decline in demand, which remains strong across all markets.

ABARES forecasts indicate that the MY 2024/25 barley harvest reached 14.55 million tonnes, supporting the third-largest annual export volume on record. Analysts suggest that in the MY 2025/26, favorable weather and restored planting areas could push production above 16 million tonnes, enabling a potential record export program.

Sorghum exports in MY 2024/25 were also dominated by China, which accounted for over 94% of the total volume. Other key markets included Japan, Kenya, and Taiwan. Strong demand from China and the Middle East continues to be a key driver for Australia’s grain exports.

Quality assessments of the MY 2024/25 harvest indicate high yields, particularly in Western Australia and northern regions of New South Wales and Queensland. These results support expectations for stable domestic and export supply in the MY 2025/26.

Tags: export, barley, sorghum, Australia