Export demand pushes barley prices higher in Kazakhstan

Feed barley prices in Kazakhstan rose by KZT 3 thsd/t over the week to KZT 63–68 thsd/t. Demand is being supported by both feed flour producers and exporters, according to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan.

Export barley prices also increased. On a DAP Saryagash basis, prices rose by $5/t to $190–195/t, while FOB Aktau values also gained $5/t to $195–200/t. On the DAP Dostyk/Altynkol route, prices increased by $2/t to $197–202/t.

Barley exports are most active toward China and Uzbekistan. At the same time, shipments to Iran remain limited by a shortage of available vessels. Over the week, freight from Aktau to northern Iranian ports rose by $4/t to $60/t, while freight from Astrakhan increased by $9/t to $94/t.

Domestic demand is also rising for 4th- and 5th-class wheat, whose share in the new crop remains relatively low. Poultry producers and feed flour manufacturers have stepped up purchases amid plans by Kazakh authorities to tighten restrictions on imports of Russian wheat.

Wheat prices remained unchanged over the week despite competition from Russian grain. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, importers continue to buy Kazakh wheat because of limited stocks, while Russian wheat continues to move both into Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.

Tags: Kazakhstan, export, barley, prices