World Coarse Grain Output Lifts

LONDON - Mar 27/03 - SNS -- World coarse grains output is now believed to total 865 million metric tons (MT), 7 million MT lower than previously estimated by the International Grains Council (IGC), on account of reduced estimates for India, Mexico and Turkey.

Estimated world coarse grains consumption in 2002-03 is 898 million MT, 4 million less than last month because of smaller supplies in India.

The forecast of coarse grains trade is unchanged at 106 million MT. Maize trade remains at a record 79 million MT, increases in imports by Far East Asia and several countries in Africa offsetting reductions in Latin America, particularly Brazil. China's export estimate is up 2 million MT to 14 million MT, but US sales still lag last years' pace.

World sorghum trade is 0.1 million MT lower at 6.4 million MT, as Mexico is expected to buy less from the US. Estimated barley trade is 0.2 million MT up at 16.8 million MT, but still well down from last season.

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