HAMBURG- Jordan's state grain buyer the trade ministry has issued an international tender to buy 120,000 tonnes of milling wheat, which can be sourced from optional origins, European traders said on Wednesday.

The tender deadline is July 16.

Jordan has faced a difficult time buying wheat and barley in tenders in the past few months after changed terms for quality specifications and payment reduced participation by international trading houses.

A new tender from the trade ministry had been expected by traders after Jordan made no purchase in its previous tender for 120,000 tonnes of wheat on Tuesday, when only two trading companies took part. 

Jordan also made no purchase in previous tenders for 120,000 tonnes of wheat on June 26, June 20, June 12, May 28, May 21 and May 14. Jordan's last reported wheat purchase was 60,000 tonnes in a tender on May 7.

The new tender seeks hard wheat for shipment in a range of possible combinations in 60,000 tonne consignments. Possible shipment periods are Oct. 1-15, Oct. 16-31 and Nov. 1-15.

A separate international tender to purchase 25,000 tonnes of milling wheat from Jordan's state-owned Silos and Supply General Company also closes on July 16. 

The trade ministry and Silos company traditionally buy independently of each other.

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