Barley Malt
Barley malt is a dried product obtained by germinating barley grains and halting the process by drying. It is classified as an intermediate commodity used in brewing, distilling, and food production. The product is typically stored in ambient conditions with low moisture to preserve quality.
Prices, specifications and international trade for barley malt under HS 110710.
Barley Malt Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Barley malt is quoted in USD/t at FRA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore barley malt pricesBarley Malt Exports and Imports
France led reported barley malt exports in 2025, at $568M.
Compare barley malt exporting countriesBarley Malt Specifications and Quality
Barley malt grading factors include Class, Kernel Damage, and Hull Condition.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for barley malt considers Class, Kernel Damage, and Hull Condition.
- Class
Barley is classified as Malting barley or Barley. Malting barley must contain at least 95 % of a suitable six‑rowed type.
- Kernel Damage
Limits are set for injured‑by‑frost, frost‑damaged, injured‑by‑heat, heat‑damaged, injured‑by‑mold, and mold‑damaged kernels.
- Hull Condition
Barley must not be hull‑less; black hulls are identified as a separate variety.
Common Defects
Recorded defects for barley malt include Broken Kernels, Mold‑Damaged Kernels, and Frost‑Damaged Kernels.
- Broken Kernels
Kernels with more than one‑quarter of the kernel removed.
- Mold‑Damaged Kernels
Kernels showing visible mold damage.
- Frost‑Damaged Kernels
Kernels injured by frost or heat.
- Infestation
Presence of insects or other pests.
Certifications
Certifications documented for barley malt include US Grain Standards and ISO 9001. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- US Grain Standards
Compliance with United States Grain Standards Act specifications for malting barley.
- ISO 9001
Quality management system certification often applied to malt production facilities.
Barley Malt Facts and HS Code
Barley malt belongs to flours, starches and milled products within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 110710.
Barley Malt HS Code
| Product type | Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Form | Dried |
| Position in the chain | Processed |
| Category | Flours, starches and milled products — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 110710 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | FRA |
Production & Handling
Processing steps for barley malt include Steeping, Germination, Drying.
Production and Storage
| Perishability | Low |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Ambient |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical barley malt packaging includes Bulk and Bagged.
- Bulk
Transported in bulk containers such as grain cars or bulk bags.
- Bagged
Standard 25 kg or 50 kg woven bags for retail or small‑scale distribution.
Uses & Risks
Barley malt is used in Brewing, Distilling, and Food Products.
End Uses
- Brewing
Used as the primary fermentable source in beer production
- Distilling
Provides fermentable sugars for whisky and other spirits
- Food Products
Ingredient in baked goods, breakfast cereals, and confectionery
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Brewery, Distillery, Food Manufacturing |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Weather‑related yield variability ClimateHigh Extreme weather events, such as drought or excessive rainfall, affect barley yields and thus malt supply. | Diversify sourcing regions and maintain buffer inventories to mitigate supply disruptions. |
Mycotoxin contamination Food safetyMedium Barley malt can be contaminated with mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) if the underlying barley is infected with Fusarium species before malting. | Implement rigorous grain testing protocols and source barley from suppliers with certified low mycotoxin levels. |
Temperature control during transport LogisticsMedium Improper temperature control can lead to moisture migration and mold growth in malt during shipping. | Use refrigerated containers or temperature‑controlled trucks and monitor cargo conditions in transit. |
Insect infestation PestLow Stored malt is susceptible to infestation by grain beetles and moths, which can degrade product quality. | Maintain proper storage temperature and humidity, and use integrated pest management practices. |
Water usage in malting process SustainabilityLow The malting process requires significant water for soaking and germination, impacting overall water footprint. | Adopt water‑recycling systems and optimize soaking cycles to reduce water consumption. |
Barley Malt Questions
- What are the grading specifications for barley malt?
- Barley malt is classified under the United States standards for barley. It must contain at least 50 % whole kernels of cultivated barley and no more than 25 % of other grains. The malting barley subclass requires a minimum of 95 % six‑rowed suitable malting type, with strict limits on injured, frost‑damaged, heat‑damaged, mold‑damaged kernels and must be free of infestation, blight, ergot, garlic, or smut.