Initial assessments by European traders indicate that the lowest price offered at Friday's international tender for around 100,000 metric tonnes of animal feed barley from Tunisia was $216.89 per tonne, c&f.

Trading house Casillo was thought to have made the offer for 25,000 tonnes. They said that no purchase had yet been reported, and offers were still being considered.

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

The barley will be shipped in four consignments of up to 25,000 tons, depending on the origin.

The World Bank is providing the funding for the auction, according to traders. This organisation has been helping the country deal with the ongoing financial crisis.

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