Saudi Arabia: Barley Trade Quarterly
Link to report:
On April 15, 2021, the Saudi government fully implemented its November 2020 decree to privatize the barley import sector. The decision was implemented when the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) sold 1.84 million metric tons (MMT) of barley through an open and competitive bidding process to local grain traders. The move officially ends Saudi Arabia’s longstanding control of barley trade, and it is expected to benefit livestock farmers by eventually lowering overall feed costs. In preparation for the privatization of the barley imports and distribution sector, SAGO issued licenses to 11 local potential barley traders of which two have already commenced barley imports.