CANADA, August 31, 2004 -- On July 31, 2004 a framework agreement was reached and agreed upon at the World Trade Talks (WTO). The reaction to the agreement from Canada's agriculture sector was mixed. The Canadian Wheat Board was very disappointed, as the text could signal major reforms or even an end to the CWB monopoly. The supply management commodities were cautious; pleased with some aspects of the text, while still maintaining serious concerns over other aspects. The export sector was pleased with the framework, believing it is a good stepping-stone for further negotiations. The diverging views on the text, represent the diverging positions that Canadian negotiators will have to work with in attempts to secure a deal that benefits every sector and ensures the overall goal of increased trade liberalization for Canadian producers.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, August 31, 2004 -- The cattle industry, at about 13.65 million head with meat production of about 620,000 tons, is currently stable mainly due to favorable weather conditions. International trade exposure is very small although imports are increasing and exports decreasing mainly due to the strong SA rand. Most BSE induced limitations on US exports are still in place while the SA veterinary services are fighting a localized FMD outbreak.

MEXICO, August 31, 2004 -- No summary available.

MEXICO, August 31, 2004 -- The Mexican market for US Christmas trees was over $9 million in 2003. The market for imported Christmas trees is growing and the US enjoys a 95 percent import market share. Mexicans are increasingly using Christmas trees as a symbol of the holiday and domestic production is not sufficent to meet rising consumer demand.

MALAYSIA, August 31, 2004 -- Malaysian efforts to curb the Avian Influenza virus prove to effective, but the final verdict is up to the lifting of the ban by importing countries.

THAILAND, August 31, 2004 -- Export prices changed insignificantly, as major buyers stayed away from the market.

MALAYSIA, August 31, 2004 -- Malaysia's crude palm oil (CPO) production rose 8.4 percent to 1.3 MMT in July 2004. Carry-over levels at the end of July also rose to 1.3 MMT. Palm oil exports improved to 1.1 MMT in July. The average local CPO price rose from US$388/MT in July to US$392/MT in August.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, August 31, 2004 -- China's imports of agricultural, fishery, and forestry products nearly reached $21 billion through the first seven months of the year. China's Customs data indicates the largest supplier of goods was the U.S. with nearly $5.6 billion and the largest export destination was Japan at nearly $4.5 billion. Soybeans, cotton, and animal hides and skins are the primary goods imported from the U.S. while primary imports from the world are soybeans, cotton, palm and soybean oil, and wool. Export data does not account for many goods made from agricultural products that are processed into other consumer goods

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, August 31, 2004 -- The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of China's revised Administrative Measures of Inspection, Quarantine, and Supervision on Entry Fruit announced to the World Trade Organization on August 6, 2004 in WTO Announcement G/SPS/N/CHN/80. These Measures modify previous requirements (CH1058), in particular, a new requirement indicating inspection and quarantine requirements be listed in contracts and fruit reexported from Hong Kong be accompanied with additional inspection certificates.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, August 31, 2004 -- The National Development and Reform Commission published on its web site an announcement on re-allocation of 2004 import TRQs for agricultural commodities. This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the announcement.

ARGENTINA, August 31, 2004 -- Argentine poultry exports for 2005 are projected at a record 110,000 metric tons as a result of good returns, the opening of new markets, good sanitary conditions, and stronger demand from existing markets. Chile and Venezuela are markets which are forecast to grow in 2005. Broiler production is also expected to reach a record high of 1 million metric tons because of the strong export demand, and a recovery of the domestic consumption.

PARAGUAY, August 31, 2004 -- Paraguay's market of imported food and beverages is expected to total about US$170 million in 2004, showing a strong recovery after the economic crisis of 2002 and 2003. With continued economic growth, imports are projected to keep on increasing in the next few years. The fact that Argentine and Brazilian products account for almost 75 percent of all food and beverage imports, countries outside the region have increasing opportunities. Best prospects are for leading brands, and gourmet products, such as soups, confectionary items, fruit preparations and beer.

CANADA, August 31, 2004 -- For 2004/2005, Canadian wheat production is forecast to increase to 24.7 MMT due to increased moisture and higher yields. Canadian barley production is forecast to increase to roughly 13.0 MMT, as the higher yields offset the reduced seeded areas. Canadian corn production is forecast to decline to 8.2 MMT as a result of lower seeded areas and a decline in the yields, especially in Ontario. As many crops were seeded late, time and weather will play an important factor in the quality and the yields of all the major crops.

FRANCE, August 31, 2004 -- For 2004, French prune production is estimated at 47,000 MT, 10 percent below the large crop of 2003. France is a net prune exporter, and competes with the United States on EU markets. During MY 2003/04, French exports are expected to increase slightly to 16,000 MT, mainly due to a sharp increase in shipments to Russia, a new market for French prunes. French prune exporters hope to benefit in MY 2004/2005 from the smaller U.S. prune crop.

SAUDI ARABIA, August 31, 2004 -- The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture indicated that the country's total broiler meat production declined from 525,000 metric tons in 2001 to 467,000 mt in 2002 and 468,000 in 2003 (initial data). Total poultry meat and products imports are estimated to reach 443,000 metric tons next year, an increase of two percent compared to this year's estimated import level.

MALAYSIA, August 31, 2004 -- For April, total exports of palm oil were 816.7 MMT.

MALAYSIA, August 31, 2004 -- For April, total exports of palm kernel oil were 73.6 MMT and palm kernel meal 129.5 MMT.

MALAYSIA, August 31, 2004 -- For April, total imports for soybean were 18.0 MMT and for soymeal 52.2 MMT.

MEXICO, August 31, 2004 -- Apple production for MY 2004/05 is forecast at 510,000 MT. Apple imports are forecast to increase only 3 percent as the apple anti-dumping duty on U.S. Red and Golden Delicious apples is expected to limit import volumes. However, the U.S. is expected to continue to be the largest supplier of apples. Pear production is forecast to increase slightly to 29,500 MT. The volume of imported U.S. pears is expected to increase as the domestic market continues to rely on imports. Table grape production is forecast at 191,800 MT. The U.S. continues to be the main table grape supplier.

EGYPT, August 31, 2004 -- Egypt's total lumber imports in 2003 amounted to about 2.5 million cubic board meters, or about 11 percent higher than the 2002 level. However, for 2004 both softwood and hardwood imports are expected to decline by about 17 and 9 percent, respectively.

INDIA, August 31, 2004 -- India's CY 2005 broiler production is forecast to grow by 15 percent to 1.9 million tons due to greater availability of raw feed materials and increased demand for poultry meat caused by higher consumer income. Increasing forward integration in poultry operation, growing farmer preference for birds with higher dressing yield, and price stabilization measures initiated by the industry are also factors supporting production growth, mostly in the southern and western growing belts.