The bidding deadline was Jan. 9, 2012, with shipment sought within two months from the opening of a letter of credit on the deal.

The tender sought wheat of any origin. Offers of under 100,000 tonnes would not be accepted, traders said.

Offers must be made in euros including C&F free out to Syrian ports, terms which include extra provisions for the cost of ship unloading.

In its previous tender on Dec. 7, Syria's grains agency purchased 100,000 tonnes of Black Sea region wheat, which traders thought was likely to have come from Romania.

The agency made no sale in a separate tender that also closed on Dec. 7 to sell and export 50,000 tonnes of durum wheat.

Syria had rejected offers and made no purchases in three previous tenders to buy 100,000 tonnes of wheat which closed on Nov. 14, Oct. 24 and on Sept. 26 as prices were too high.