Brazil’s agriculture ministry is seeking approval to import 750,000 tonnes of wheat duty-free. The request follows a reduction of planted area this year and problems with production in the southern states of the country, where above-average rains and frosts damaged the fields. Brazil normally buys the cereal from its Mercosur trade block partner Argentina, which already enjoys duty-free treatment as part of the block’s rules. Suppliers outside Mercosur face an import tax of 10 percent. The ministry said the duty-free quota, if approved, would allow wheat from all origins, including the United States, which sells some wheat to Brazil at times when it can compete with Argentina on price.