Australia wheat stocks down 17 percent in July to 5.82 million tonnes

Wheat stored by Australian bulk handlers as of July 31 totalled 5.82 million tonnes, down 17 percent or 1.18 million tonnes from June 30, the government's Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday (August 25).

Wheat stocks were less than half the 14.49 million tonnes recorded Dec. 31, it said. It didn't provide year-earlier figures.

Wheat held July 31 comprised 4.50 million tonnes of milling grade, or 77 percent of the total, with feed grade comprising the balance of 1.32 million tonnes, it said.

Of total wheat in storage July 31, 2.07 million tonnes, or 36 percent, was held in Western Australia, while 2.11 million tonnes, also about 36 percent, was held in New South Wales, with the remainder in other mainland states.

Wheat stocks typically peak after harvest late in the calendar year, then dwindle as a result of exports and domestic use.