By Ukumbi Afrika Thursday, 6th August 2026
Algiers– Algeria's state grains agency, OAIC, has purchased between 540, 000 and 720, 000 metric tons of milling wheat through an international tender, according to European traders, underscoring the country's continued efforts to secure grain supplies amid evolving global trade dynamics.
Traders said the exact volume purchased remains uncertain, a common feature of Algerian wheat tenders. Initial estimates placed the purchase at around 720, 000 tons, while later assessments suggested the total could be closer to 540, 000 tons.
The wheat was reportedly bought at prices ranging between $289 and $290 per metric ton, including cost and freight (C& F), with some market participants estimating the highest accepted price at $289.50 per ton.
Although the tender allows wheat from optional origins, traders expect Romania and Bulgaria to emerge as the main suppliers. While Russian wheat was competitively priced, it reportedly attracted limited interest due to concerns over recent attacks affecting Russian shipping routes and port operations.
The purchased wheat is scheduled for shipment from major European supply regions in three delivery windows:
September 15 – September 30
October 1 – October 15
October 16 – October 31
For supplies sourced from South America, India or Australia, shipment is expected one month earlier.
Market participants cautioned that the reported prices and purchase volumes remain preliminary and could be revised as additional trading information becomes available.
The latest purchase comes after Algeria acquired more than 800, 000 metric tons of soft wheat in its previous international tender on 17 June, at prices of approximately $264–265 per ton C& F, highlighting the increase in global wheat procurement costs over recent months.
Source: Reuters
Reporting: Michael Hogan, Gus Trompiz , Sybille de La Hamaide & Sarah El Safty
Editing:Kirsten Donovan & Louise Heavens