Iraq buys 150,000 tonnes of rice in a nominal tender for at least 30,000 tonnes from Thailand - trade ministry source.

The tender had closed on May 19, and offers had to remain valid until May 23. Iraq had sought rice from the United States, Uruguay, Thailand and Argentina.

Volumes in Iraq's grain tenders are regarded as nominal and the country frequently buys much more than it tenders for.

Olam international is to supply 120,000 tonnes and the rest 30,000 tonnes to be provided by Ameropa, the source said.

Iraq is one of the world's largest importers of rice, much of which goes to supply a national food ration program.