Argentine 2006/07 wheat export commitments were unchanged at 8.805 million tonnes by March 23, the Agriculture Secretariat said in its latest weekly report. By the same date last year, Argentina had sold 5.58 million tonnes of the grain.
The government of the South American country, a top five wheat exporter, suspended new wheat exports on March 8 in an effort to ensure domestic supplies. The US Department of Agriculture forecasts Argentine exports of 2006/07 wheat at 9.5 million tonnes. Farmers have finished harvesting the 2006/07 wheat crop and the government sees output of about 14 million tonnes, compared with the 12.6 million tonnes harvested in 2005/06.