HAMBURG - Algeria’s state grains agency OAIC has purchased an undisclosed volume of milling wheat in an international tender which closed on Wednesday, European traders said on Thursday.

Initial unconfirmed trade estimates put the purchase at about 500,000 tonnes to 550,000 tonnes, but more details are expected later on Thursday.

First assessments put the price at about $223 to $224 a tonne c&f. More detailed figures are also expected later.

Algeria does not disclose the results of its tenders and purchase reports are based on trade assessments.

The wheat was sought for shipment in two periods, Jan. 1-15 and Jan. 16-31, 2020. If sourced from South America, shipment is between Dec. 1.-15 and Dec. 16-31, 2019.

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