European traders reported on Sunday that Algeria's state grain agency OAIC had issued an international tender for the purchase of soft milling wheat from origins other than Algeria.

Algeria usually buys more than the nominal amount sought in its tenders.

The deadline to submit price offers for the tender is Tuesday July 15. Offers must remain valid until Wednesday, July 16.

Wheat is shipped in three phases from major supply regions, including Europe: 16-30 September, 1-15 October and 16-31 October. The shipment date is one month earlier if the wheat comes from South America or Australia.

Algeria is an important customer of wheat imported from the European Union and France. However, Russian exporters as well as those from other Black Sea regions have seen a strong expansion on the Algerian market. Michael Hogan reports.

(source: Reuters)