ALGIER, May 5 – Algeria has launched an international tender to purchase milling wheat, signaling continued demand from one of the world’s largest importers amid shifting global supply dynamics.
The state grains agency, OAIC, is seeking shipments from key supply regions, including Europe, for delivery between July 1–15 and July 16–31, according to European traders. Supplies sourced from South America, Australia or India are required a month earlier.
The tender specifies a nominal volume of 50,000 metric tons, though the agency typically purchases significantly larger quantities in practice. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, and the wheat can be sourced from either the 2025 or 2026 harvests.
Algeria has historically relied heavily on imports from the European Union, particularly France. However, exporters from the Black Sea region, led by Russia, have steadily increased their market share in recent years.
That shift has been accelerated by diplomatic tensions between Paris and Algiers, which have effectively halted French wheat exports to Algeria since mid-2024.
In its previous tender in late March, OAIC purchased nearly 700,000 tons of milling wheat at around $272 per ton, including cost and freight, traders said.
The latest tender underscores Algeria’s ongoing efforts to secure supply while diversifying sourcing channels in an increasingly competitive global grain market.
