Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s grain-buying agency announces tender to purchase 1.02 mln tonnes

Saudi Arabia's main state grain-buying agency the Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO) said on November 1 it has issued an international tender to purchase 1.02 million tonnes of animal feed barley, confirming earlier reports from traders.

The tender deadline is November 2, SAGO governor Ahmad Al Fares said in a statement.

SAGO said it is seeking a total of 17 shiploads, with 11 to be unloaded at Saudi Arabian Red Sea ports and six at Gulf ports with arrival sought in January and February 2019.

Traders gave these arrival periods in 2019:

Jan. 1-15: 60,000 tonnes Red Sea in one ship, 60,000 tonnes Gulf in one ship Jan. 15-30: 240,000 tonnes Red Sea in four ships, 120,000 tonnes Gulf in two ships Feb. 1-15: 180,000 tonnes Red Sea in three ships, 60,000 tonnes Gulf in one ship Feb. 15-28: 180,000 tonnes Red Sea in three ships, 120,000 tonnes Gulf in two ships

SAGO reserves the right to purchase up to 10 percent above or below the tender volume. Traders said they expect tender results on Monday, Nov. 5.

In its last reported barley tender on Sept. 10, SAGO bought 1.5 million tonnes.

On Oct. 2, Saudi Arabia said it will allow the private sector to import feed barley, after two years during which it was handled solely by SAGO but not time scale was given.

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