- Algeria’s OAIC purchased about 200,000 tons of milling wheat in an origin-flexible international tender closed March 10.
- Estimated purchase price is around $291/mt C&F for April–May 2024 delivery to Mostaganem and Tenes.
- The modest volume and competitive pricing from non–Black Sea origins are neutral to slightly bearish for Black Sea wheat exporters.
Algeria Wheat Tender Overview
The Algerian state grain agency OAIC has secured approximately 200,000 tons of milling wheat at its latest international tender, which closed on March 10. The purchased volume is relatively modest compared to Algeria’s typical buying patterns, signaling a cautious procurement approach in the current market.
Delivery is scheduled for the ports of Mostaganem and Tenes between April and May 2024. For wheat sourced from South America or Australia, shipment windows are advanced by one month, reflecting longer transit times from these origins. The tender imposed no origin restrictions, allowing offers from any major wheat-exporting region.
Price and Delivery Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Purchased Volume | ≈ 200,000 tons |
| Estimated Price | $291/mt C&F |
| Tender Close Date | 10 March 2024 |
| Delivery Period | April–May 2024 (Algerian ports) |
| Primary Ports | Mostaganem, Tenes |
| Origin | Open (no restrictions; includes Black Sea, South America, Australia, etc.) |
| Adjusted Shipment Window | One month earlier if sourced from South America or Australia |
Market participants estimate the purchase price at about $291 per ton C&F. OAIC continues its long-standing practice of not officially publishing tender price outcomes, so these levels are based on trade estimates rather than formal disclosure.
Market Impact and Black Sea Wheat Outlook
The outcome of this tender is neutral to slightly bearish for Black Sea wheat. The relatively small volume, combined with origin flexibility, indicates that Algeria is not strongly prioritizing Black Sea supplies at current price levels. The estimated $291/mt C&F suggests that South American and potentially Australian origins are providing sufficiently competitive offers to cap demand for Russian and Ukrainian wheat into North Africa.
With South American harvest pressure building, Black Sea exporters may have to reassess their pricing strategies to secure volume in upcoming Algerian tenders. Unless Russian and Ukrainian offers become more competitive against alternative origins, their near-term share in Algerian imports could remain constrained.
Source: Market Data
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