MEXICO, April 27, 2004 -- Mexico has again modified its BSE ban to allow imports of beef trimmings, lips, tongue, kidneys, veal, diaphragm, heart, and liver. Import requirements for live sheep for slaughter have also been established.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, April 27, 2004 -- This report contains an economic and agricultural situation overview through March 2004. The Korean economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly two years during the fourth quarter of 2003, driven mainly by exports. Agricultural imports from the U.S. were $3.5 billion in 2003, a 7.4 percent incease over the previous year. ATO Seoul will organize several major promotional events within the next six months focusing on U.S. consumer-oriented and other products.

JAPAN, April 27, 2004 -- In April 2004, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the intent to review and possibility revise Quality Labeling Standards that would require place/country of origin for certain ingredients in processed foods, and livestock products. This announcement can be viewed below or on-line at http://www.maff.go.jp/mud/541.html.

EL SALVADOR, April 27, 2004 -- Sugarcane planted area stagnated at approximately 66,000 hectares in 2003/04. Sugar recovery yields have increased in the 2003/04 harvest, mainly due to added investment, which has increased efficiency in the milling process. The Salvadoran Sugar Council (CONSAA) is in charge of regulating sugar trade. Most sugar exports are destined to Russia and to the re-export market. Canada is a new export destination. The sector continues to get tariff protection by the Government of El Salvador (GOES). The Salvadoran sugar industry is very optimistic due to Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), which includes additional access to the U.S. market of approximately 22,000 MT with a 2 percent annual growth. The Ministry of Agriculture (MAG) continues efforts to shift traditional agricultural production into more profitable non-traditional export crops.

PARAGUAY, April 27, 2004 -- After last year's record yields, soybean production this Marketing Year (MY) 2004/2005 was severely affected by drought, down 11 percent from previous estimates to 4.0 million metric tons (MT). Sunflower seed production is forecast to remain stable. A new tax on soybean and soybean product exports, enacted in March 2004, will increase transaction costs and lower the price paid to producers.

EU-15, April 27, 2004 -- On April 16th, the EU's Management Committee for Bananas agreed on granting an additional banana import quota of 300,000 MT for the ten new member states.