Iraq rejects offers in tender for 30,000 tonnes of rice

BAGHDAD: Iraq's state grains buyer has rejected offers on an international tender to buy at least 30,000 tonnes of rice, a trade ministry official said on Friday.

The closing date for the tender was Aug. 11 and offers stayed valid until Aug. 15.

"Only three companies submitted offers with high prices, which we decided to reject.

A new rice tender will be issued next week," said the official.

Iraq made no purchase in a previous tender for 30,000 tonnes of rice which closed on July 6 with offers remaining valid until July 10.

Volumes in Iraq's rice tenders are nominal and it frequently buys more than it tenders for.

Iraq is one of the world's largest importers of rice, much of which goes to supply a national food rationing programme.