Algeria bought about 450,000 tonnes wheat in tender

PARIS: Algeria's state grains agency OAIC bought about 450,000 tonnes of wheat on Wednesday in an international tender at between $231.50 and $234 a tonne c&f, European traders said.

The country had been tendering for wheat from optional origins, the traders said, adding that the wheat was expected to be mainly sourced from France.

Algeria is a key market for European Union wheat, especially for France. Algeria was the top destination for French soft wheat exports in January and French exporters were hoping French wheat would be included in a new sale.

Algeria had sought a nominal 50,000 tonnes for shipment in two periods, April 16-30 and May 1-15.

Algeria does not disclose the results of its tenders and purchase reports are based on trade assessments.

In its last reported soft wheat tender on Feb. 14, the OAIC purchased around 600,000 tonnes after also seeking offers for a nominal 50,000 tonnes.

OAIC also bought 300,000 tonnes of durum wheat in a separate tender, traders said on March 8.