Saudi Arabia's main state wheat buying agency the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said on Thursday it has issued a huge international tender to purchase about 960,000 tonnes of animal feed barley. The tender deadline is Friday, Feb. 16, SAGO governor Ahmad Al Fares said in a statement, confirming earlier trader reports.
Arrival is sought in stages to any Red Sea or Gulf Port between April 1 to May 15, traders said. SAGO confirmed it is seeking a total of 16 shiploads each of around 60,000 tonnes. Individual shiploads can be 10 percent more or less than 60,000 tonnes, SAGO said. Ten shipments totalling around 600,000 tonnes are sought for unloading in any Saudi Red Sea port and six ships of about 360,000 tonnes will unload in any Saudi Gulf port, it said.
Traders said the arrival periods are: - April 1-15: 180,000 tonnes Red Sea in three ships, 120,000 tonnes Gulf in two ships - April 13-30: 240,000 tonnes Red Sea in four ships, 120,000 tonnes Gulf in two ships - May 1-15: 180,000 tonnes Red Sea in three ships, 120,000 tonnes Gulf in two ships. In its last reported barely tender on Jan. 15, SAGO bought 1,002,000 tonnes. SAGO, previously known as the General Silos and Flour Mills Organisation (GSFMO), was assigned the task of securing feed barley imports for Saudi Arabia in autumn 2016.