INDONESIA, August 18, 2004 -- Due to the impact of the Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in early 2004, combined with high feed costs, broiler production in 2004 is expected to drop about 15 percent. For 2005, with expectations that feed input prices will decline, and that the AI problem remains in check, broiler meat output is forecast to rebound about 8 percent.

THAILAND, August 18, 2004 -- The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has officially notified the scope of the temporary ban on live animals and livestock products originating from the United States.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, August 18, 2004 -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry released a rice tender plan on July 21, 2004 to cover about half of the 2004 minimum market access (MMA) quota. Plans for purchasing the remainder of the 2004 MMA quota will be released after completion of tender from the first invitations. Tenders for 30,000 MT of U.S. #1 medium grain are included in the purchasing plan MAF has outlined up to now.

THAILAND, August 18, 2004 -- The broiler industry is anticipated to grow slightly in 2005 after being hit by High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) disease in 2004. As a result, exports and domestic consumption of broiler meat in 2005 will fall far short of the record high levels reached in 2003.

INDIA, August 18, 2004 -- *Special Additional Duty abolished*, *Deals signed to export 450,000 cotton bales*, *Honey exporters plan to target Europe, Brazil, and United States*, *SAARC signs up for free trade*, *Spices and Seafood exporters unfazed by US Bioterrorism Act*, *Seafood exporters launch drive to fight US anti-dumping suit*, *APEDA to cash in on mad cow disease fallout*, *Malaysia buys Indian corn amid Chinese absence*.

THAILAND, August 18, 2004 -- Despite the likelihood of a slowdown in the construction sector, Thailand's solid wood product imports are forecast to increase by 5-6 percent in 2004 and 2005, due to increased market demand for interior design and renovation for completed houses/buildings and hotels/resorts, and decreased domestic hardwood supplies. Thai imports of U.S. hardwoods are also expected to rise in 2004 and 2005.

TAIWAN, August 18, 2004 -- On August 13, Taiwan awarded its 3rd public rice tender for 2004. The tender for 10,000 tons of medium brown rice went to a U.S. supplier at NT$12,192/mt or $356.54/mt while the second 10,000 ton tender for medium-short brown rice went to an Australian supplier at NT$15,993/mt or $467.79/mt. The next tender for 20,000 tons will be held during the week of August 16.

UNITED KINGDOM, August 18, 2004 -- With the purchase of The Norwich Food Company and London-based Ridpath Pek, Smithfield Foods has penetrated the UK market.

CROATIA, August 18, 2004 -- Croatia has a little over 160 certified organic farmers with organic production on approximately 3,500 hectares. Imported organic products can be found on supermarket shelves and in specialized stores. However, the actual size of this market is unknown. To be able to import organic products, companies must register with the Ministry of Agriculture. Currently, there are 9 registered importers. U.S. farmers with IFOAM certificates are usually able to export to Croatia.

MEXICO, August 18, 2004 -- Mexico's poultry industry is forecast to continue growing during MY 2005 (Jan-Dec), as the trend toward vertical integration in the chicken industry continues. Exports of U.S. poultry and poultry products are forecast to increase as well. Mexico imposed sanitary import restrictions due to Avian Influenza outbreaks in the United States. However, these restrictions have been gradually lifted allowing most U.S. poultry trade to continue unimpeded.

INDIA, August 18, 2004 -- *India Inc. urged to participate in WTO tariff line discussions*, *WTO consultations*, *India-US economic dialogue*, *Government to set up single window body for GM crops*, *CMIE sees 6% growth*, *Monsoon perks up farm front - But no grain exports*, *Government plans duty cuts to douse rising prices*, *Government policy blamed for high edible oil prices*, *Ban on chicken stocks risks retaliatory moves*, *Fresh ban on import of livestock products*, *Support price of crops hiked*, *Quota-free textile regime to spin 12 million jobs*, *Pizza Hut to foray into non-metros*, *Retailers want suppliers to adopt barcode*, *BANGLADESH: UN to seek $226 million aid*, *BANGLADESH: Free seeds and fertilizers to farmers*, *BANGLADESH: WFP appeal for $70 million emergency food aid*.

CANADA, August 18, 2004 -- * Cattle Group Files For Damages Under NAFTA * Canada's BSE Enhanced Surveillance Program * WTO Appellate Body Rules In Softwood Lumber Dispute * Canadian Company To Provide Seed Potatoes For Chinese Potato Industry * Cool Temperatures Plague The Prairies * Corn Numbers Get Slashed

UKRAINE, August 18, 2004 -- Ukraine's production of poultry products in 2005 will increase considerably, but the local industry will not be able to meet domestic demand, which continues to increase. Demand for poultry imports will persist due to high red meat prices and falling production of livestock products.

MEXICO, August 18, 2004 -- Mexico's MY 2005/06 pecan crop is forecast at 68,000 MT, 3.0 percent higher than the previous year's revised level, as more new trees begin bearing nuts and are expected to boost harvest prospects. For MY 2004/05, production has been revised upward by 3.0 percent, due to ideal weather conditions (sunlight and temperatures) in the pecan orchards and farmers applying quality inputs to improve volume and nut quality