European traders reported on Monday that Algeria's state grain agency OAIC had issued an international tender for the purchase of soft milling wheat to be shipped to only two ports.

Traders said that the tender was for a nominal amount of 50,000 metric tonnes, but the fact that it went to two different ports indicates an intention to make a smaller purchase.

The deadline to submit price offers for the tender is on Wednesday, 26 June, with bids valid until Thursday 27 June.

Wheat is needed for several periods, including Europe, from the main regions of supply: August 1-15; Aug. 16-30; Sept. 1-15; Sept. 16-30; Oct. 1-15 & Oct. 16-30.

The shipment date is one month earlier if the wheat comes from South America or Australia. The wheat must be unloaded at the ports of Mostaganem or Tenes.

Algeria is an important customer of wheat produced by the European Union and France in particular. Reporting by Gus Trompiz from Paris and Michael Hogan from Hamburg