HAMBURG/PARIS- Algeria’s state grains agency OAIC is believed to have purchased durum wheat in a tender which closed on Wednesday, European traders said on Thursday.

The volume bought was unclear but initial trade estimates were between 300,000 tonnes to almost 500,000 tonnes. More details are possible later.

The durum was expected to be sourced mostly from Mexico with some consignments also from Canada.

Traders estimated prices at between $620 and $640 a tonne c&f. Another estimated the Mexican durum was bought at about $630 to $640 a tonne c&f and the Canadian at about $650 a tonne c&f.

Shipment was sought in two periods between Nov. 1-15 and Nov. 16-30.

(Reporting by Michael Hogan and Gus Trompiz, additional reporting by Polina Devitt) ((michael.j.hogan@thomsonreuters.com; +49 172 671 36 54; Reuters Messaging: michael.hogan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))