(Adds detail from paragraph three)
HAMBURG, Oct 29 (Reuters) - Private Egyptian interests have
in past days purchased about 180,000 tonnes of corn from South
America, European traders said on Monday.
It was thought largely to have been bought from Argentina,
traders said.
Three consignments of 60,000 tonnes each were purchased for
shipment in the beginning of April, May and June 2013, traders
said.
Traders said the corn was largely purchased at premiums over
Chicago corn futures rather than outright prices, but one
dealer said the May consignment was purchased from Argentina at
about $253 fob.
"With Black Sea supplies selling out after poor harvests,
Middle Eastern buyers are looking further afield," one trader
said. "The South American new crop is currently cheaper than
U.S. supplies."
(Reporting by Michael Hogan; editing by Jane Baird)