Egypt will allow wheat shipments with a moisture level of up to 13.5 percent for an extra nine months, the trade ministry said on Thursday, extending a higher limit that was set to expire. The higher moisture limit applies to all origins but has in the past favoured French wheat as it can struggle to meet the 13 percent ceiling. Egypt’s state-buyer GASC raised the moisture limit to 13.5 percent from 13 percent in February for nine months. Egypt over the past year has sourced most of its supplies from the Black Sea production zone, with Russian imports in particular dominating in recent months. However, the higher moisture tolerance is likely to do little to help French wheat compete with Russia this season.