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Iraq lifts ban on wheat
19 Aug 2002
Australia has struck a deal with Iraq to resume a $200 million wheat shipment this year. The Iraqi Government relented after earlier threatening to ban 500,000 tonnes of wheat. However, future exports remain in doubt, with Iraq warning it may not buy any wheat next year. This would be a $800 million loss to Australian farmers.
130,000 tonnes of wheat stranded off the Iraqi coast were cleared after Iraqi complaints on quality issues were resolved. This paves the way for a further 370,000 tonnes to be shipped in the coming months. AWB MD Andrew Lindberg said that the agreement is a "successful outcome for both parties" and all shipments under the current contract can now go head. He also called on the Government to "tone down" its comments on war with Iraq. Mr Lindberg will meet with the Prime Minister, John Howard, some time during the next two weeks.
The Australian, 19/8/02, page 1.
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