Argentine export commitments of 2004/05 wheat totalled 5.7 million tonnes by January 28, up from 5.645 million tonnes a week earlier, the agriculture department said on Monday. By the same date last year, Argentina had sold 3.08 million tonnes of the grain. The government reported sales last week of 30,000 tonnes of wheat to Vietnam and 25,000 tonnes to unspecified destinations. Earlier this month, farmers finished harvesting the 2004/05 wheat crop.

The US Department of Agriculture forecasts Argentina's 2004/05 wheat exports at 10 million tonnes.

CORN SALES UP: Argentine export commitments of 2003/04 corn reached 10.93 million tonnes by January 28, up from 10.6 million tonnes a week before, the agriculture department said on Monday. By the same date last year, corn sales reached 11.04 million tonnes.

Argentina reported sales last week of 150,000 tonnes of corn to Egypt; 50,000 tonnes each to Cuba, Malaysia and Peru; 25,000 tonnes to Spain; and 5,000 tonnes to Tunisia.

Argentina's sales data refers to corn seeded starting in August 2003 and harvested through to September 2004.

The US Department of Agriculture forecasts Argentina's 2003/04 corn exports at 9.75 million tonnes.

Copyright Reuters, 2005