CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 15, 2004 -- This report contains an UNOFFICIAL translation of China's draft Hygienic Standard for Sugars (GB13104-200X). It also includes China's related notification to the World Trade Organization (WTO) G/SPS/N/CHN/49, dated February 13, 2004.

PHILIPPINES, April 15, 2004 -- Sugar production is forecast to remain flat in CY 2003-04 as a result of the decline in millgate prices caused by surplus sugar production recorded last year. Demand for domestically produced sugar by beverage and food manufacturers is expected to improve as domestic spending remains strong. The Philippines will export about 70,000 MT of sugar in 2004, aside from the 142,160 MT intended for the United States, to balance out excess supply of sugar in the domestic market. The Philippine government has also implemented price intervention measures as a relief to the sugar industry.

INDIA, April 15, 2004 -- India's 2004/05 sugar production is forecast to decline 5 percent to 15.9 million metric tons (raw value basis) due to forecast lower cane production. India is set to emerge as a net importer in 2004/05, with imports estimated at 1.0 million metric tons.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 15, 2004 -- The MY04/05 sugar output is forecast at 10.57 MMT (raw value). The MY03/04 sugar import estimate has been revised upward to 1.2 MMT from the previous estimate of 585,000 MT because of reduced sugar output and higher than expected consumption. A sharp decline in beet sugar output was the main reason for the 6 percent decline in overall sugar output in MY03/04.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, April 15, 2004 -- On March 18, 2004, the Russian government approved the draft of a new forest code that will soon be presented to the State Duma for hearings. Observers expect a heated debate over the new provision that allows private ownership of forests as a means to attract foreign investment. This provision and other changes were introduced in order to meet the goals of the government's forest development program for the period 2003-2010.

VIETNAM, April 15, 2004 -- : Prices remained at a high level due to large rice quantities being delivered to fulfill pending contracts and tight exportable rice supplies from the Mekong River Delta. As of early April, the export quantity has surpassed that of the same period last year.