960409

Egypt bought 175,000 Tons

Australian wheat

CAIRO: Egypt said on Tuesday its purchase of Australian wheat announced on Monday was for around 175,000 tonnes of soft white wheat at $204 per tonne FOB.

Samir Shakankiri, Egypt's main state commodities importer, said the wheat would be loaded in May. He said the exact quantity of wheat had not been specified.

"It will be at least 160,000 tonnes -- I expect it to be around 175,000 tonnes," Shakankiri, vice-president of the General Authority for Supply Commodities, told Reuters.

He said the price compared favourably with prices for U.S. wheat.

"I have $204 per tonne, compared to $206.50 for U.S. soft white," he said. "If you compare the freight rate, the Australian is even more competitive."-Reuter