HAMBURG- Iranian state-owned animal feed importer SLAL is believed to have purchased around 60,000 tonnes of animal feed barley and 60,000 tonnes of soymeal in an international tender which closed on Wednesday, European traders said on Friday.

It was unclear whether 60,000 tonnes of feed corn also sought in the tender had been purchased.

The feed barley was expected to be sourced from Germany. Shipment for all the grains and soymeal was sought in February and March.

Iran needs to import million tonnes of grain after its crop was damaged by the worst drought in 50 years last summer, Reuters reported in October. But western sanctions on Iran continue to make payment difficult, traders say.

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