PHILIPPINES, April 18, 2003 -- Exports of coconut oil (CNO) and copra meal in December 2002 declined by 0.4 and 20.3 percent, respectively, compared to their levels the previous year. CNO and copra meal prices were generally higher. There were no copra exports during the month.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Deoxynivalenol in Wheat and Corn and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Flourine in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Maximum Levels of Iron in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Lead in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

VENEZUELA, April 17, 2003 -- While demand for all oilseeds and products in Venezuela is dampened this year due to the severe recession the economy is suffering, demand for U.S. product appears to be strengthening as geographic proximity allows for more rapid re-supply. However, imports have been hampered by restrictions on issuance of import licenses and permits, and more recently by restrictions on access to foreign exchange. Local production of oilseeds remains minimal.

MEXICO, April 18, 2003 -- The Secretariat of Economy announced in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register), on April 14, 2003, the wholesale reference price of a ton of standard sugar for MY 2002/03. This reference price is used in the calculations to pay growers for their sugarcane.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Mercury in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for N-nitrosamines in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Nitrite in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Maximum Levels of Patulin in Apple and Hawthorn Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- The retail food sector in Shanghai continues to change at a breakneck pace. This report outlines recent changes, including the recently announced merger of China's two largest food retail companies.

BULGARIA, April 18, 2003 -- In MY02/03 Bulgaria is likely to have record high exports of sunflower seeds, 178,000 MT due to good quality and quality of the crop. Forecast for MY03/04 is for further increase in sunflower exports close to 250,000 MT due to expected higher production. In MY02/03, Bulgaria imported record high volume of soybean meal, 82,000 MT/ $17.0 million (mainly from Argentina and Brazil) and 3,000 MT from the United States; these imports are projected to be stable in MY03/04. After record high imports of soy oil in MY01/02, 22,000 MT, imports of soy oil in MY02/03 are likely to drop to 10,000 MT due to sufficient local supply of sunflower oil.

BRAZIL, April 18, 2003 -- Brazilian sugarcane production for MY 03/04 is forecast at 333 mmt, up 4 percent from the previous crop. MY 2003/04 sugar supply and demand will be determined by the increased alcohol demand in MY 2002/03. Sugar production is projected at 22.4 mmt, raw value, down 6 percent from last season, since alcohol production is expected to increase by 1.3 billion liters to supply the market and supplement stocks. Sugar exports for MY 2003/04 are forecast at 12.42 mmt, raw value, down 13 percent from MY 2002/03, due to expected lower availability of the product.

NETHERLANDS, April 18, 2003 -- The Avian Influenza outbreak has spread to the main Dutch poultry production region. The Dutch Product Board expects that the egg production could nearly half in 2002.

MEXICO, April 18, 2003 -- Mexico’s coffee production and exports may see light at the end of the tunnel soon, due to expectations of rising coffee prices in MY 2003/04 in response to lower Brazilian production and declining international stocks.

CHILE, April 18, 2003 -- Canned Peach output is expected to be similar than our previous estimates but larger than last year.

EUROPEAN UNION, April 18, 2003 -- This weekly report contains data on rice prices in the U.S., Thailand and the EU. It also lists current import duties and export subsidies in the EU. All information will be published as such in the weekly USDA publication "Rice Market News".

HONDURAS, April 18, 2003 -- During the last year, Honduras has participated with the Central American countries in Free Trade Agreement negotiations with Canada and the U.S. Their proposal for CAFTA is that free trade should be established conditioned to the net exporter category, rule of origin for sugarcane or beet produced and a common tariff for the region. The report contains more information on policies, production and trade.

ECUADOR, April 18, 2003 -- Raw cane sugar production for market year 2003/04 is foreseen to reach 500,000 MT. Ecuador will become a net exporter. Domestic consumption both for human and industrial needs has kept pace with domestic production of sugar.

MALAYSIA, April 18, 2003 -- Total Malaysian cane production is expected to drop to 870 TMT in 2002 due to a reduction in planted area. Domestic sugar consumption should rebound in response to increased demand from refiners. The outlook for imports is very bright with a expected 6% growth in 2003. Exports of refined sugar to neighboring countries continued to show an uptrend in recent years.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for PCBs in Sea Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Maximum Levels of Rare Earth in Vegetable Food and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Selenium in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 18, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Zinc in Foods and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

JAPAN, April 21, 2003 -- Seiyu begins to implement some of Wal-Mart's programs and strategies in select stores; A survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reveals signs of contraction in the Japan wholesale market; While continuing to report consecutive declines for overall sales, the Japan Department Store Association and the Japan Chain Store Association continue to report small increases in food sales; Nichii Gakkan a provider of in-home nursing services teams up with Japan AAS Catering Co., a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, to provide home delivery of frozen cooked meals for the elderly; Toka Osaka Co. plans to manage a production database for agricultural cooperatives containing items such as origin of production and chemicals used and; Foodex Japan 2003 attracts 98,920 visitors, up about 11 percent from 2002.

AUSTRALIA, April 21, 2003 -- The 2003/04 raisin crop is forecast at 20,000 MT, down sharply on the previous season and well below average levels. Post forecasts exports to fall to 6,000 MT and consumption to decline slightly in 2003/04. Imports are forecast at 18,000 MT, six percent higher than 2002/03 and partially compensating for the reduced production.

CROATIA, April 21, 2003 -- The wheat crop is expected to be lower than last year and the exportable surplus will only be about 80,000MT. Low prices will slightly decrease corn production, and barley production will be stable.

KUWAIT, April 21, 2003 -- Kuwait enforces food shelf life standards on 44 food products and recognizes manufacturer set standards on all other food products. Arabic language labels are required, although stickers are accepted. There are no import quotas or other nontariff barriers known to be in place. On April 1, 2003, Kuwait’s National Assembly (Parliament) approved the flat 5-percent duty on most imported food products required by the GCC Customs Unification Law. This new duty will come into effect as soon as it is published in the Official Gazette, expected to be imminent.

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, April 21, 2003 -- Declining wheat production means that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) will need to import an additional 100,000 MT in wheat this year. Insufficient access to credit limits the amount of imported wheat many mills are able to purchase. The corn crop is set to be the same as last year. Soybean area is increasing rapidly from a small base.

ITALY, April 21, 2003 -- Italian production of canned fruit for 2002/03 marketing year is forecast at average levels. Canned peach output increased significantly after a strong drop reported in 2001/02 due to increasing competition from Greece. Italian canned peach exports are also forecast to increase for 2002/03 due to a Greek production crisis.

MEXICO, April 21, 2003 -- LATIN AMERICA SHOWS PROTECTIONIST TREND*“MEXICO LOST ITS COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGE”*NEW CRITERIA FOR HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP IMPORT PERMITS*MEXICO’S TOBACCO PRODUCTION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE*NEW SALMONELLA TESTING ON IMPORTED MEATS*NEW LISTERIA TESTING PROCEDURE*APPLE ANTI-DUMPING*PRODUCERS DEMAND FOOD SOVEREIGNTY*NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL PACT NEGOTIATIONS*CAP READY TO SIGN THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL PACT*NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL PACT COULD BE SIGNED BY APRIL 10*MEXICAN BORDERS HAVE NOT IMPEDED COMMERCIAL TRADE*SELF-CONSUMPTION FARMING IS A THREAT TO FREE TRADE*IDIOSYNCRATIC WATER PROBLEMS*FINANCE SECRETARY SCRAMBLES FOR CONSENSUS*ECONOMY SECRETARY SCRAMBLES FOR CONSENSUS*BORDER INSPECTIONS RAISE TRANSPORTATION COSTS*DRY BEANS AND WHITE CORN WILL NOT BE TAKEN OUT OF NAFTA*CANALES, BRIEFS CONGRESS*MEXICO PROTESTS U.S. CONFLICT IN IRAQ*SENATE COMMITTEE REVIEWS GMO-LEGISLATION*NAFTA RENEGOTIATIONS NOT VIABLE IN CONFLICT SCENARIO*MAJOR DROUGHT HITS TABASCO*EXPORTERS GRAVITATE TOWARDS SUPPLIER’S CREDIT

MEXICO, April 21, 2003 -- CREEL AND USABIAGA GIVING IN TO PRESSURE*GOM FROWNS ON NEW U.S. BIOTERRORISM LAWS*PACT SIGNING DATE HAS BEEN ACCORDED*FARMING GROUPS AND PRIVATE SECTOR MAINTAIN NAFTA STANCE*USG REMOVES MEXICAN CANNED BEAN IMPORTS*U.S. PET FOOD IMPORTS MAINTAIN MARKET SHARE*DROP IN MEXICAN COFFEE EXPORTS*FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILLING TO PROTECT CORN AND DRY BEANS*SIGMA ALIMENTOS GROWING STRONGER*MEXICAN SENATE LOBBYING EFFORTS*SRE MAKES ADJUSTMENTS TO PERSONNEL*FOX SENDS VIDEO MESSAGES*FINANCE INCREASES EMERGENCY FUNDS FOR AGRICULTURE*CREEL OFFERS COMPLEMENTARY TREATIES*RURAL SECTOR REJECTS PARALLEL TREATIES TO NAFTA*WATER NEGOTIATIONS*NEW U.S. BIOTERRORISM LAWS HURT MEXICAN EXPORTERS*NAFTA PLUS*“DOLPHIN-SAFE” LABELING BEING DISCUSSED BY DOC*FARMING GROUPS DEMAND A SIZEABLE EMERGENCY FARM FUND

MEXICO, April 21, 2003 -- The growth in the Mexican pet food market continues unabated (despite misleading U.S. Customs export figures for 2002). The U.S. has a preponderant market share among imported pet foods. However, domestic production of pet food is increasing in response to growing demand. Surprisingly, the most important outlet for pet food sales is through mom & pop, corner grocery stores.

MEXICO, April 21, 2003 -- For MY 2003/04, consumption and imports of oilseeds products are expected to continue to increase albeit at a slower pace than the previous year, as economic prospects augur a lower growth than previously expected. Similarly, imports of meals are projected to rise approximately 4.5 percent in MY 2003/04, fueled by the livestock industry's ongoing expansion. Total oil imports are projected to increase by 5 percent to reach 583 MT. Cottonseed production is forecast to increase, due to the expectation of federal government supports.

NIGERIA, April 21, 2003 -- Nigeria's domestic sugar production was disrupted by the privatization exercise involving government-owned sugar companies. Dangote industries purchased the recently privatized savannah sugar company and has assumed formal management of the company. It is expected to take about two years to put the estate back in production. In the meantime, Nigeria continues to rely exclusively on imported sugar to satisfy a growing demand. The bulk of Nigeria's sugar imports comes from Brazil.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 22, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Canned Fish Products (GB14939) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 22, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Flavorings Made from Aquatic Product (GB10133) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 22, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Minced Aquatic Products (GB10132) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

THAILAND, April 22, 2003 -- Thailand's production of rice and corn is forecast to increase in MY 2003/04. Rice exports could reach 7.4 million metric tons in MY 2002/03. Domestic consumption of corn and wheat is likely to recover. As a result, exportable supplies of corn will likely be reduced. Meanwhile, import demand for wheat and flour should be on track.

EGYPT, April 22, 2003 -- Egypt's wheat purchases since the beginning of MY 2002/03 (July) are estimated at 4,759,808 MT. The Food Industries Holding Company received 22,000 MT of Syrian wheat this month as part of a barter trade agreement total 200,000 MT of Syrian duream wheat.

INDIA, April 22, 2003 -- *CII wants level playing field in farm subsidies*, *Food industry seeks single integrated law*, *New food law soon: Minister*, *2003 Monsoon forecast below normal*, *Egypt permits wheat imports from India*, *Agri-biotech park to come up at ICRISAT*, *Biotech companies launch forum*.

FRANCE, April 23, 2003 -- For 2002, French prune production is estimated at 45,979 MT, or 23% lower from in 2001. For 2003, French production is estimated at 50,000 MT. This increase is expected due to more favorable weather conditions. France is a net prune exporter, and competes with the United States on EU markets. During MY 2001/02, French exports increased significantly, mainly due to a sharp increase in shipments to Algeria, a traditional market for French prunes. The zero-duty agreement for fruits and vegetables recently signed by the EU and Chile is expected to increase imports from Chile and dampen prices on the EU market.

GREECE, April 23, 2003 -- Snowstorms and low temperatures in January and February 2002 reduced peach production by nearly 30%, with a similar reduction in deliveries to canners. Trees recovered and were in bloom in the first week of April 2003 when they were hit by a killing frost. The 2003 peach harvest is expected to be 235,000 tons, slightly less than the 2002 harvest. Apricots were unaffected and 50,000 tons are expected.

VIETNAM, April 25, 2003 -- The Government of Vietnam recently issued new regulations to clarify the inspection and quarantine systems. Almost all agricultural and aquatic goods must be inspected before they enter or exit Vietnam. Additionally, selected products (e.g., livestock or live fish) are subject to quarantine periods and additional tests. U.S. exporters should carefully review these regulations with Vietnamese importers.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Fresh and Frozen Aquatic Product of Animal Origin (GB2733) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Dried Aquatic Product of Animal Origin (GB10144) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Salted Fish (GB10138) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Standard for Salt or Liquor Pickled Aquatic Products (GB10136) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Marine Algae and Algae Products (GBxxxx) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

UKRAINE, April 24, 2003 -- Grain and pulse production in Ukraine in 2003 is forecast to decline to 32 MMT. This lower production will lead to a decline in wheat and barley exports by 65 and 17 percent respectively in MY 2003/2004 from the ever record exports estimated for the current marketing year.

ARGENTINA, April 24, 2003 -- Argentine sugar production for MY2004 is forecast at 1.65 million tons, similar to MY2003. Although the sector worked efficiently to expand production, a significant drought in Tucuman will offset the expected increase. Due to the 70 percent peso devaluation, both mills and farmers enjoyed excellent returns in MY2003 and the same is expected for MY2004. Exports are projected to drop as surpluses of sugar will be tighter primarily due to a smaller carry-in from MY2003 due to larger exports. Production is expected to grow in the next 3-5 years as long as economic conditions do not change significantly. A higher output would be absorbed somewhat by larger domestic consumption as the country recovers from the current deep recession. Exports could increase, but the sector knows that the profitability is in the domestic market. A larger concentration at the farm, processing and marketing level is expected. Argentina could also become an important exporter of sugar-content products.

TURKEY, April 24, 2003 -- Turkish raisin production is expected to increase in MY 2003 as long as weather conditions, which has been good to this point, remain favorable. Exports are also expected to increase in MY 2003 with Europe the main market.

JAMAICA & DEP, April 24, 2003 -- Jamaica's sugar production is expected to decline to 170,000 metric tons during the 2002/2003, its lowest in 56 years. As production of raw sugar declines, Jamaica will import increasing quantities of raw sugar to satisfy domestic demands, while fulfilling export quotas with local production. Domestic consumption of refined sugar will grow at the same modest rate as production of carbonated beverages increase.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 24, 2003 -- The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China Fresh and Frozen Product Regulation (GB 1689-2002) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 25, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People’s Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Distilled Spirits (GB2757) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 25, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People’s Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Femented Beverages (GB2758) and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 25, 2003 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People’s Republic of China DRAFT Standard for Carbonated Beverages and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpreation is accurate.

EUROPEAN UNION, April 25, 2003 -- This weekly report contains data on rice prices in the U.S., Thailand and the EU. It also lists current import duties and export subsidies in the EU. All information will be published as such in the weekly USDA publication "Rice Market News".

THAILAND, April 25, 2003 -- Export prices changed slightly as market remained quiet.

SLOVAKIA, April 25, 2003 -- Slovakia's sugar beginning stocks are higher than prior USDA estimates. Slovakia has no sugar refineries and, other than an EU-mandated production quota of 207,432 MT (A+B), major changes in the industry are not expected with Slovakia's EU accession in May 2004.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, April 22, 2003 -- Soybeans are not produced in the Dominican Republic, therefore, imported soybean products satisfy all local market requirements. Soybean meal imports for MY 2002 are expected to remain at current levels or approximately 360,000 metric tons, all from the U.S. Imported soybean oil has shown little growth over the last four years, reaching 105,000 metric tons in MY 2001, with a 42 percent U.S. market share.

MEXICO, April 25, 2003 -- SECRETARIAT OF THE ECONOMY PREPARES FOR U.S. COMMERCIAL LEADERS*MEXICAN AVOCADO EXPORTS GROWING STRONG*RISE IN U.S. YELLOW CORN PRICES* AGRICULTURAL PACT PROMISES TO HALT MIGRATION TO THE U.S.*FOX ADMINISTRATION HAS COMMITTED TO PROTECTIONIST MEASURES*UNITED NATIONS ON A MISSION TO REDUCE AGRICULTURAL SUBSIDIES*A NEW START FOR THE RURAL SECTOR*IMPASSE ON AGRICULTURAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS*GREEN GROUPS WORRY ABOUT FAST-TRACKING BIOSECURITY LEGISLATION*GOM REITERATES THE RISKS INVOLVED IN RENEGOTIATING NAFTA*RENEGOTIATING WOULD BE THE WORST*TAMAULIPAS FARMERS, WELL COMPENSATED*CORN FARMERS DEMAND INCREASED SUPPORT*U.S. MULTINATIONALS PRESUMABLY DOMINATE THE MEXICAN MARKET

MEXICO, April 25, 2003 -- On April 21, 2003, Mexico’s Secretariat of Economy (SE) announced a modification of the first auction of permits to import U.S. dry edible beans under NAFTA tariff-rate quota (TRQ) for CY 2003 (see MX 3049). The modification increases the maximum amount per participant from 1,000,000 kilograms to 4,349,270 kilograms.

EGYPT, April 25, 2003 -- In December 2002, The Food Industries Holding Company signed an agreement with Syria to import 100,000 MT of Syrian durum wheat in exchange for unspecified amount of Egyptian commodities including rice and potatoes. We inadvertently reported the Syrian wheat amounted as 200,000 MT in our previous wheat update report (EG3007). The correct amount of Syrian wheat in this barter arrangement is 100,000 MT.