Sprouted wheat grain has increased in price in Kazakhstan. According to manufacturers and traders, export prices have increased by an average of $10-15. The cost within Kazakhstan increased by 5 thousand tenge, reports the APK News agency.
“Sprouted wheat has risen in price in Kazakhstan by an average of 5 thousand tenge per ton. Wheat with a sprouted content of up to 30% costs 55-60 thousand tenge/ton, 30-50% sprouted - 50-55 thousand tenge, including VAT at the elevator,” said Evgeniy Karabanov, head of the Analytics Committee of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan.
Export prices for non-grade wheat increased by $10-15 per ton:
growth up to 30% on DAP Saryagash - $170-175
growth 30-50% on DAP Saryagash - $160-165
DAP Dostyk (to China) - $180-185.
“The current increase in prices for grade 4, 5 and non-grade wheat is a consequence of the initial undervaluation of this wheat. Trading is currently inactive. Importer demand is low. This is due to seasonal fluctuations in demand and large balances of grain and flour in the warehouses of importers,” our interlocutor also said.
As for the availability of grain, both producers and exporters still have wheat, although a shortage of grades 4 and 5, as well as non-grade wheat with up to 30% growth, is beginning to be felt.
“It’s difficult to say how much sprouted wheat is left. I think no more than 2.5 million tons. And food, about 5 million tons,” noted Evgeny Karabanov.
Meanwhile, traders say that there are facts when sprouted grain is sold at 70 thousand tenge per ton.
“Sprouted grain has increased in price at the border. At Saryagash it was $150, now the price is $165. Afghans give $180, but returning wagons is expensive there, so that’s why the price comes out that way. In reality, now peasants will not give up already sprouted grain even for 50 thousand tenge; they ask for 55-60 thousand tenge. There are even those who ask for 70 thousand tenge. In particular, in the North Kazakhstan region they charge so much for sprouted vegetables. There is not much grain in the country. It’s not enough,” said grain trader from Almaty region Amir Butyrkhanov.