American wheat accounts for 45 percent of all flour imported by the government so far in the fiscal year 2011/2012, which started in July.
Analysts, however, predict a change in import patterns after Russia recently removed its ban on wheat exports.
A prominent official from the General Authority for Supply Commodities told Al-Masry Al-Youm that American companies offered better prices than their French counterparts. He added that Russain companies were only able to take part in tenders long after the ban on wheat experts was already lifted.
US Wheat Associates Regional Vice President Dick Prior, meanwhile, said his company considers Egypt one of the most important importers of wheat.
The Food and Agriculture Organization predicts that Egypt will import 9 million tons of wheat throughout the current fiscal year, of which 2 million tons will be imported by the private sector.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
