MOSCOW- Russia has sent a trial shipment of 21.88 tonnes of wheat to Algeria, its agriculture watchdog said on Thursday.

Russia, the world's largest wheat exporter, has been expanding its presence in markets traditionally dominated by the United States and the European Union.

Algeria is a key market for EU wheat, especially for France. Algeria was the top destination for French soft wheat exports in January. 

Russian watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor said on Thursday that Algeria would hold a laboratory inspection of the wheat and would consider softening restrictions on Russian imports.

(Writing by Polina Ivanova Editing by Edmund Blair) ((p.ivanova@thomsonreuters.com;))