PARIS- * Algeria's state grains agency OAIC purchased around 200,000 tonnes of durum wheat in a tender which closed last week, European traders said on Tuesday
* It was thought to have purchased at around $290 to $293 a tonne cost and freight included for shipment in July, they said
* The durum was optional origin but part of purchase was seen likely to be sourced from Canada, Mexico and the United States, they said
* Total volume could be at around 220,000 tonnes
* Some traders said there could be an additional volume of French durum wheat but a change in technical specifications could have created a barrier to European durum
* Volumes in Algeria's tenders are nominal and the country frequently purchases more than the volumes initially sought.
* The country does not disclose the results of its tenders and purchase reports are based on trade assessments
(Reporting by Valerie Parent; writing by Sybille de La Hamaide; editing by Jason Neely) ((Sybille.deLaHamaide@thomsonreuters.com; +331 4949 5145; Reuters Messaging: sybille.delahamaide.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
