European traders claim that Algeria's state grain agency OAIC purchased durum wheat at an international auction on Wednesday.

Uncertainty surrounded the volume of goods purchased. Initial estimates by traders put the volume of purchase between 350,000 and 400,000 metric tonnes, but one unconfirmed estimate was as high at 500,000 tons.

The initial estimates for the purchase price were approximately $340 per ton, cost and freight included (c&f), for larger Panamax shipments and between $350 and $352 for smaller Handymax shipment.

According to one trader, four Panamax shipments have been purchased.

Traders said that both purchases were believed to contain a portion of Canada-origin durum amber (CWAD) type. Some of the purchases were also believed to have been sourced from Australia and the United States.

The tender sought nominally 50,000 tons to be shipped in four periods of 2025, namely March 1-15. March 16-31; April 1-15; and April 16-30.

Algeria does not reveal the results of its bids, and those reported are based solely on traders' assessments. Later, more detailed estimates on prices and volumes are possible.

Algeria's last durum tender, reported on November 21, saw purchases of around $348 per ton C&F for Panamax shipments as well as around $360 for smaller shipments. (Reporting from Michael Hogan in Hamburg, and Gus Trompiz at Paris; editing by Jan Harvey and Mark Porter.)

(source: Reuters)