EU wheat prices ease after early weakness in Chicago

* French Nov wheat down 0.5 eur to 143 euros/t

* CBOT wheat prices weak early on abundant supply prospects

* Thunderstorms in Europe cause concern for quality

AMSTERDAM, July 17 - Wheat prices on major West European markets weakened in late trade on Friday as U.S. markets faced early pressure but concerns that stormy weather may impact quality in Europe tempered declines, traders said.

"Paris saw some late weakness because of the early fall in Chicago wheat," said one trader, adding that China's planned sales next week of state grain reserves was increasing uncertainty in the market.

Chicago September wheat turned weak in early trade but was up 6 cents at $5.39 per bushel by 1558 GMT.

Violent thunderstorms hit most of France overnight and more rain was expected in the EU's largest grain producer on Friday, and over the weekend, adding to the uncertainty with operators in wait-and-see mode.

"Fears on potential quality deterioration support the market but without making sellers too nervous at the moment," French analyst Agritel said.

Euronext November was 0.5 euros lower at 143 euros in late trade after hitting 144.75 in morning trade.

The analyst also stressed that the good volume of export licences granted by the European Union on Thursday did not necessarily predict a large export campaign for EU wheat.

"The wheat export outlook remains lower for the coming season after extremely active exports during the 2008/2009 season," the analyst said.

In Belgium, feed wheat prices were offered about 2 euros higher on the week following active consumer buying in recent days, traders said.

July feed wheat was quoted at 136 euros a tonne delivered by truck, September/December at 140 euros a tonne and January/June at 144 euros a tonne.