Traders see quick return of Ukraine wheat to Egypt

Egyptian state wheat buying agency GASC may allow Ukrainian wheat in its giant purchase tenders by the end of this month, traders said on Wednesday. "There are indications from GASC that a change is imminent, and there is a growing feeling in the market that Ukrainian wheat will be permitted in the next GASC tender," one trader said.
GASC said last week it was considering adding Ukrainian and Russian wheat to the origins permitted in its purchase tenders, which are among the most competitive in the global grains market. Egypt, the world's largest wheat importer, removed Ukraine from the origins permitted in its purchase tenders in late 2008 following a series of disputes about quality.
GASC on July 6 permitted Russian wheat to be offered after a gap of almost a year following Russia's export ban last summer. A new tender from GASC is expected in coming days. GASC could not be reached for comment as officials were travelling in Russia for talks with grain suppliers.