HAMBURG: The state-run Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued a new international tender to purchase and import 500,000 tonnes of wheat, European traders said on Wednesday.

The deadline for submission of price offers in the tender is Oct 26.

Shipment is sought in consignments of at least 100,000 tonnes between Nov 13-Nov 18, Nov 21-Nov 26, Nov 29-Dec 4, Dec 7-Dec 12 and Dec 15-Dec 20.

The shipments must be organised so that the wheat purchased arrives in Pakistan by Jan 10, 2023.

Pakistan is believed by traders to have a substantial import requirement after massive floods in September damaged farmland and crops, sweeping away homes, bridges, roads and livestock.

But the country’s last tender on Sept 30 ended without a purchase in thin participation due to uncertainty about new tender terms, especially a condition compelling a second quality inspection on wheat unloading in Pakistan in addition to the quality inspection in the port of loading. The new tender is still believed to require wheat quality testing at the port of unloading in Pakistan, traders said..

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2022