Initial assessments indicate that nine trading companies have participated in the international bid on Tuesday by Jordan's state grain buyer to buy 120,000 metric tonnes of wheat.

They said that the participants were Viterra, Al Dahra CHS, Cargill Cerealcom Dolj Ameropa Buildcom The Andersons Grain Star and Grain Star.

Traders said that no purchase had yet been made, but results would be expected on Tuesday.

The tender for hard wheat was seeking a number of combinations between 50,000 and 60,000 tons. They said that possible shipment combinations included July 1-15; July 16-31; Aug. 1-15; and Aug. 16-30.

Jordan has rejected wheat tenders and refused to purchase any in April, may and June.

Jordan has been hit hard by the sharp increase in wheat prices that began late April, a result of fears over weather damage to Russia’s crop. Wheat prices dropped sharply in June after Turkey, a major buyer of wheat, announced on Friday a temporary ban on imports. Michael Hogan reports.