HAMBURG - Jordan's state grain buyer has issued an international tender to buy 120,000 tonnes of milling wheat which can be sourced from optional origins, European traders said on Monday.

The tender's deadline is on Jan. 9.

The new tender seeks shipment in a range of possible combinations in 60,000 tonne consignments. Possible shipment periods are April 1-15, April 16-30, May 1-15 and May 16-31.

Jordan made no purchase in its last international tender on Dec. 26 to buy 120,000 tonnes of wheat when only two trading companies took part.

Jordan also made no purchases in previous wheat tenders on Dec. 18 and Dec. 12.

Jordan has had difficulty in making purchases in a series of grain tenders this year, with traders citing uncertainty about quality specifications and payment terms as factors deterring major grain exporting houses from participating.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan; editing by Rashmi Aich) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))