March 9, 2009
Brazil to source new wheat supplies on Argentina restrictions
Brazil will seek new suppliers for three million tonnes of wheat this year, as Argentina's wheat exports have been restricted.
Argentina usually provides most of Brazil's imported wheat, but this year it could supply only two million tonnes, said Brazilian Agriculture Minister Reinhold Stephanes on Thursday (Mar 5).
Stephanes said Brazil is interesting in importing from Russia, Canada and the US.
The USDA estimates Brazil will import 6.5 million tonnes of wheat in the 12 months ending June 30.
Argentina harvested 8.3 million tonnes in the current crop year compared with 16.3 million tonnes last year. It was Argentina's smallest crop in 20 years, largely due to drought.
