Tunisia secures feed corn and barley in international tenders

TUNISIA – Tunisia has reportedly purchased about 27,000 metric tons of animal feed corn and 25,000 metric tons of feed barley through separate international tenders, as the country moves to secure supply amid ongoing volatility in global grain markets.

European traders indicated that the corn was bought at an estimated price of US$267.09 per ton, cost and freight included, with Ameropa Trading House believed to be the supplier. 

The tender covered a single shipment, with delivery windows varying depending on origin.

Shipments from the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe, or the Black Sea are scheduled for May 15-30, while Western European supplies are expected for May 10-25. 

Corn sourced from the United States or Argentina is set for delivery between May 5 and 20.

The purchase follows an earlier tender for 25,000 tons of feed corn that closed without a deal, despite a lowest reported offer of US$266.65 per ton, also linked to Ameropa. 

Traders noted that all prices and volumes remain estimates and may be revised.

Barley tender reflects softer pricing trend

In a separate development, Tunisia’s state grains agency is also believed to have secured approximately 25,000 metric tons of feed barley in a recent tender, again with Ameropa reported as the supplier.

The barley was purchased at an estimated US$265.45 per ton (c&f), a decline from the country’s previous tender on February 12, when 50,000 tons were bought at US$276.90 per ton.

Delivery timelines for the barley shipment similarly vary by origin. 

Supplies from the Black Sea, Eastern Europe or Mediterranean regions are expected between May 25 and June 5, while Western European shipments are scheduled between May 20 and 30. 

Cargo from the United States, Canada, and South America is planned for May 15 to 25.

The back-to-back tenders highlight Tunisia’s continued reliance on international markets to meet feed demand, particularly for corn and barley used in livestock and poultry production. 

They also reflect shifting price dynamics, with recent purchases indicating a slight easing in feed grain costs compared to earlier in the year, although market uncertainty remains.

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