August 30, 2007

Iraq tenders to buy at least 50,000 tonnes hard wheat
 

Iraq has issued a new tender to buy at least 50,000 tonnes of hard wheat, the second time in a month, the Grain Board of Iraq said on its website Thursday (Aug 30).

Companies have to submit their offers to the board by 0800 GMT Saturday, it said.

According to the board, "the final quantity will be specified by the buyer." The board usually buys much more than the amount announced.

The board announced late July a tender to buy the same amount, with a closing date of Aug 4. It is not known whether Iraq has bought hard wheat through that tender.

But a trader familiar with the board said Iraq is currently negotiating with two US companies to buy more than 200,000 tonnes of hard wheat.

Iraq needs to import some 3.6 million tonnes of wheat a year.