Asia grain importers make rare forward buys

Siem Reap

ASIAN grain importers are locking in forward purchases as they take advantage of a sharp drop in grain prices, with some buyers booking shipments right up to the middle of next year in an unusual move, traders said on Wednesday.

Thailand has recently bought 300,000 tonnes of feed wheat from the Black Sea region for shipment between January and April at around US$208-US$210 a tonne, including cost and freight, they added. Buyers in Indonesia have covered up to December for supplies of corn, soyameal and distiller's dried grains.