Chinese buyers are sharply increasing imports of U.S. sorghum and Australian barley after heavy rains damaged domestic corn supplies.
Traders report bookings of roughly 2.5 million metric tons of U.S. sorghum in three months—triple total 2025 shipments.
Imports of Australian barley have reached about one million tons monthly since December, nearly double last year’s pace.
The surge follows elevated Chinese corn prices and competitive overseas grain offers, traders said.
U.S. Department of Agriculture data show 1.6 million tons of sorghum sold to China since early November, with additional volumes listed as “unknown” destinations.
National corn prices in China have climbed about 10% year-on-year, tightening margins for animal feed producers.
Industry sources cite prolonged rainfall in northern regions, leaving part of the corn crop mold-affected and unsuitable for feed.
With corn imports capped by quotas, buyers have turned to sorghum and barley, which face fewer restrictions and offer greater supply flexibility.
