Agriculture

Algeria boosts grain imports to prevent social uprising during Ramadan

Faced with crumbling regimes across the Arab world, Algeria has dramatically boosted its grain imports to contain social unrest during Ramadan, when food prices traditionally shoot up. The strategy, analysts said, is designed to guard against a popular revolt like that in neighboring Tunisia, where a frustrated public -- inspired by one man's dramatic protest -- brought down an entrenched regime. Five Algerians were killed and 800 injured during five days of riots in January, sparked by a rise in the cost of basic goods like oil and sugar. Protests have continued since, with workers hitting the streets in a series of demonstrations to demand higher wages and better housing. In early August, Algeria's customs bureau announced that total food imports for the first half of 2011 are up 59% compared to same period in 2010. The country also imported $2.04 billion (1.4 billion euro) worth of cereals, flour and semolina in the first half of the year, a 99% increase compared to 2010 figures, according to the customs board. Source: Agence France-Presse

SA imports 660,000 tons of US, European hard wheat

The Grain Silos and Flour Mills Organisation has said that Saudi Arabia imported 660,000 metric tons of hard wheat from the US, Europe, Australia and Canada for delivery from November to February. The government-run wheat importer has added that the average price is $346 per ton, including cost and freight. The kingdom will receive six shipments in the port of Jeddah and six in Dammam. Source: Reuters

Jordan's APC to supply 600,000 tons of potash to India

Jordan-based Arab Potash Company has signed two contracts worth $300 million to supply 600,000 tons of potash to Indian Potash and Zuari Industries, Petra has reported. Arab Potash has signed a $200 million contract with Indian Potash Ltd to ship 200,000 tons in several shipments from this month until the end of March 2012, Arab Potash Chairman Nabih Salameh said. Arab Potash also signed a $100 million contract with Zuari Industries Ltd to supply it with 200,000 tons of potash, Salameh said. Source: Petra News