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 Monday.

The tender sought a nominal 50,000 tonnes but Algeria often buys considerably more in its tenders. Algeria is a vital export customer for west European Union wheat, especially France.

Tender deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 17. Offers must remain valid until Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The wheat was sought for shipment in two periods, Nov. 1.-15 and Nov. 16-30.

In its last reported tender on July 31, the OAIC purchased 570,000 tonnes of optional-origin milling wheat.

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