Initial assessments by European traders indicate that the lowest price offered at Friday's international tender for around 75,000 metric tonnes of animal feed barley from Tunisia was $257.00 per tonne, including freight and cost.

Trading house Euro Commodities was thought to have submitted the offer for 25,000 tonnes of Russian-sourced grain.

They said that no purchase had been made yet and offers were still being considered. Six trading houses have participated in the tender to date, with offers exceeding $267 per ton c&f.

The reports reflect the opinions of traders, and it is still possible to estimate prices and volume later.

The grain is available from a variety of origins. Three consignments of 25,000 tons are required for shipment between 25 November and 30 December, depending on which origin was selected.

If the agency deems the other conditions associated with the price as being unattractive, it will not purchase the lowest bid. Michael Hogan reports.

(source: Reuters)