Iraq looking to export 700,000 tonnes barley

14 Sep 2020, 09:34

BAGHDAD, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Iraq's agriculture ministry said on Monday it would start a process to export surplus barley by the end of the week.

The ministry had told Reuters in July it would seek permission to export its surplus of around 850,000-900,000 tonnes from cabinet.

On Monday, Hameed al-Nayef, spokesperson for the ministry said the country had 700,000 tonnes approved for export.

"By the end of this week a lot of exporters from the private sector will have a chance to compete," he said.

This is the fist time Iraq is looking to export its barley. Iraqi exporters are set to buy the wheat from the government and then export it to buyers outside the country. (Reporting by Moayed Kenany; writing by Maha El Dahan; editing by Louise Heavens)