HAMBURG: Private importers in Pakistan in recent weeks have purchased around 130,000 tonnes of Black Sea/Ukrainian-origin wheat as the country continues a round of wheat imports, European traders said on Monday.

One consignment of about 55,000 tonnes was purchased for July/August shipment at $268.40 a tonne c&f. Another shipment of about 55,000 tonnes was bought at $263.00 a tonne c&f also for shipment this summer.

Around 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes of wheat to be shipped in containers was also purchased, traders said. The containerised wheat would be sourced from Russia, Ukraine and Moldavia, traders said.

Shipment sizes in Pakistani import deals are 50,000 tonnes or 55,000 tonnes with a 10 percent leeway at the seller’s option, traders said.

Pakistan swings between being a wheat importer and exporter depending on the size of its harvest.

A disappointing harvest in the country this year is believed to have generated large import demand, traders said.

Pakistani importers are believed to have made even more wheat purchases in addition to the latest 130,000 tonnes, traders said.—Reuters

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2014