The corn was purchased in two 60,000 tonne consignments.

The first consignment, for April 20 arrival, was purchased at about $204.70 a tonne c&f including a surcharge for additional port unloading for shipment from the US Pacific North West coast between March 15 and April 5.

The second consignment, for May 5 arrival, was purchased at about $205.52 a tonne c&f including a surcharge for additional port unloading for shipment from the US Pacific North West coast between April 1-20.

US corn prices are currently regarded as highly competitive in world markets, traders said.