HAMBURG  - Algeria's state grains agency OAIC has issued an international tender to buy milling wheat to be sourced from optional origins, European traders said on Saturday.

The tender sought a nominal 50,000 tonnes but Algeria often buys considerably more in its tenders than the nominal volume sought.

Tender deadline is Monday, Feb. 10, with offers remaining valid up to Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The wheat was sought for shipment in two periods from the main supply countries, April 1-15 and April 16-30. If sourced from South America, shipment is between March 1-15 and March 16-31.

Algeria is a vital customer for wheat from the European Union, especially France.

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