|
|
 |
|
FAS
Weekly Attache Report Digest
January
21, 2005
Nutella - An Italian Success Story and Cultural
Fascination
ITALY, January 21, 2005 -- In the 1940's, Pietro Ferrero, a
pastry maker and founder of the Ferrero Company, created an
economical spread of mixed cocoa and hazelnuts called
Nutella that would soon become a standard item in every
Italian home. This success has now become international as
Nutella is sold in more than 100 countries worldwide,
netting Ferrero more than $ 850 million a year. All this
without any DOC protection!
Read This Report
EU Rice Weekly, Brussels 11 January 2005
EU-25, January 21, 2005 -- 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 USDA
publication "Rice Market News". Please note that the EU has
changed its rice import tariffs from September 1, 2004, with
a fixed tariff of EUR 65/MT for brown rice and EUR 175/MT
for white rice.
Read This Report
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade
(FLEGT)
EU-25, January 21, 2005 -- The EU has determined that
illegal logging is a growing problem especially in
developing country markets and is concerned about the
environmental damage it causes in developing countries.
Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) is the
European Unions attempt to deal with this problem by
developing voluntary partnership agreements with timber
producing countries that have a problem with illegal
logging.
Read This Report
Annual
PERU, January 21, 2005 -- Wheat production in MY 2005
(July/June) is forecast at 162,000 MT. Wheat imports in CY
2004 reached 1.4 MMT, the U.S. was the largest wheat
supplier with 885,325 MT. Corn production is estimated at
1.6 MMT for MY 2004 (October/September). Corn consumption in
CY is estimated at 2.45 MMT. Rice production in MY 2005
(January/December) is forecast at 1.45 MMT.
Read This Report
The Benelux Horticulture Market
BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, January 21, 2005 -- The Netherlands and
Belgium together export more than $19 billion a year in
horticultural products. The region is a large producer and
exporter of vegetables and the world's largest exporter of
ornamental plant products, in addition it is a major
trans-shipment station for fruit. A good geographical
location and an excellent infrastructure in combination with
a professional industry have been the main ingredients for
this position. Exchange Rate: 2003: 1 US$=0.89 Euro
Read This Report
Crop Update
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, January 21, 2005 -- In December, the
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika
Srpska Ministries of Agriculture decreased winter wheat area
by 5%, from 93,000 hectares to 88,000 ha. The average yield
remains low at around 2.7 tons/ha. The Agricultural
Ministries increased winter barley area to 23,000 ha (from
15,000 ha last season). Spring barley area is still
undetermined but has been around 10,000 ha in the past. The
average yield is around 2.5 tons/ha.
Read This Report
Blueberries
ARGENTINA, January 21, 2005 -- Argentine blueberry
production has increased over the last three years with
planted area up to 400 percent. Given almost no domestic
consumption, exports to the U.S. for MY 2004 are expected to
double compared with MY 2003 to 1,000 MT.
Read This Report
Annual
PORTUGAL, January 21, 2005 -- Two consecutive large vintages
coupled with declining domestic consumption have facilitated
Spain's wine producers to achieve record exports, 14 million
hectoliters in 2003/04, and about the same level for
2004/05. Even with the record exports, producers are
building stocks, resulting in depressed wine prices.
DPA30SH3.
Read This Report
Annual
SPAIN, January 21, 2005 -- FAS/Madrid forecasts
stable-to-slightly lower demand during 2005 for forest
products in the Spanish market, with U.S. forest products
exports to Spain continuing to decline, because of tight
U.S. supplies and high prices when compared with the
European competition. (DPA50SH2)
Read This Report
Crop Update
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, January 21, 2005 -- In December, the
Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika
Srpska Ministries of Agriculture decreased winter wheat area
by 5%, from 93,000 hectares to 88,000 ha. The average yield
remains low at around 2.7 tons/ha. The Agricultural
Ministries increased winter barley area to 23,000 ha (from
15,000 ha last season). Spring barley area is still
undetermined but has been around 10,000 ha in the past. The
average yield is around 2.5 tons/ha.
Read This Report
Annual
ISRAEL, January 21, 2005 -- Israel has a population of
approximately 6.8 million with an annual growth rate of 1.8
percent. Private annual consumption expenditure per
household in 2003 totaled $27,037, of which 17 percent
($4,596) was for food. With regard to food purchases,
Israelis are considered quality-oriented and are willing to
pay a premium for quality food products.
Read This Report
The EU's Biotech Regulatory System - Who's Being
Protected?
EU-25, January 21, 2005 -- European policymakers unfailingly
invoke consumer concerns and food scares (BSE and dioxin) to
justify the EU's onerous regulatory system for biotech
products. NGOs repeatedly assert that consumers distrust the
safety of biotech food products and will not buy them. The
EU views its all encompassing labeling and traceability
regulations as critical to assuaging consumer concerns. Or
so it seemed. But then in a change of heart, the Commission
relented and exempted from labeling a number of products
produced from genetically modified microorganisms, including
vitamins. With sales estimated at nearly US$ 6 billion,
Europe's vitamin and mineral supplement manufacturers were
thus spared the fate of slapping a GM label on a product so
widely consumed in Europe.
Read This Report
Wheat Update
EGYPT, January 21, 2005 -- Egypt's total wheat purchases for
marketing year 2004/05, starting July 2004 through the end
of December, 2004 are estimated at 4,874,059 MT. U.S. market
share during this period is estimated at 27.85 percent or
1,357,460 MT.
Read This Report
Russia Announces 2005 Poultry Quota and Meat TRQs
RUSSIAN FEDERATION, January 21, 2005 -- On January 11, the
Russian Government published the details of the 2005 poultry
quota and beef and pork tariff rate quotas (TRQs). The
poultry quota remains in place for 2005 and its volume will
be 1.05 million metric tons (MMT), of which the United
States is allotted 771,900 MT. The frozen beef and chilled
beef TRQs were set at 430,000 MT and 27,500 MT, with the
United States to receive a specific part of the frozen beef
TRQ (17,700 MT). Lastly, the United States was allocated
53,800 MT of the 467,400 MT pork TRQ.
Read This Report
Reynosa Closed as Border Crossing for U.S. Apples
and Selected Meat Product
MEXICO, January 21, 2005 -- No summary available.
Read This Report
Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites, Issue #1
MEXICO, January 21, 2005 --
Read This Report
President Signs Law for 2004/2005 Biotech-Soybean
Crop
BRAZIL, January 21, 2005 -- The President of Brazil signed
on January 12, 2005, Law Number 11,092 establishing the
rules for the planting and marketing of the
2004/2005-biotech soybean crop. This report provides a
preliminary analysis and a full translation of this Law
Read This Report
Italy Inaugurates its National Food Safety
Committee
ITALY, January 21, 2005 -- Italian ministers of agriculture
and health inaugurated a new inter-ministerial National Food
Safety Committee December 23, 2004. The committee will act
as national counterpart to the European Food Safety
Authority as mandated by EU Regulation 178/2002
Read This Report
ANNUAL
FRANCE, January 21, 2005 -- Frustrated by overproduction,
shrinking exports, advertising restrictions, an aggressive
anti-alcohol abuse campaign, and changing domestic drinking
habits, French wine markers are pleading for government
assistance. The wine crop is forecast to increase by 23
percent to 58.5 million hectoliters in 2004. French vintners
say overproduction worldwide has glutted a market where
French wines already face fiercest competition from "new
world" producers. In 2003, domestic wine consumption
continued to decline except for quality wines. French wine
exports dropped 3.4 percent in volume and France continues
to loose market share in its major markets to the advantage
of new world wines. During Jan-June 2004, exports to the
United States, Denmark and the U.K. decreased while exports
increased to Japan. Wine agreement negotiations between the
U.S. and the EU are ongoing; the derogation for the U.S. on
wine-making practices was extended till December 31, 2005.
Read This Report
Trade Shows in Germany
GERMANY, January 21, 2005 -- Germany hosts various
international trade shows which offer an excellent
opportunity for promoting U.S. products in Germany, Europe
and throughout the world. FAS Berlin compiled a list of
important trade shows in Germany for agricultural products,
food and beverage products, as well as wood products and
textiles.
Read This Report
Annual Report - EU Policy & Statistics
EU-25, January 21, 2005 -- This report gives an overview of
the current situation in the EU fishery sector, provides
information on the EU's import policy and statistical data
on EU fish catches, aquaculture and imports and exports.
Read This Report
This Week in Canadian Agriculture, Issue 2
CANADA, January 21, 2005 -- * Canada Announces Another BSE
Case * Feed Ban Did Not Include Disposal of Stored Feed *
Industry Mulls Mass Cattle Cull * U.S. Groups Oppose and
Re-Evaluate the Reopening Border to Live Canadian Cattle *
PEI Potato Board Promoting Spud Diversion to Raise Prices *
Growers Hopeful Prince Edward Island Potato Processor Will
Expand * Ontario to Review the Distribution and Retailing of
Liquor, Beer and Wine * Hearings to be Held Regarding WTO
Wheat Panel Ruling * Canada Hits Back in Softwood Lumber
Dispute * Canada's Trade Surplus Soars
Read This Report
Food Business Line
JAPAN, January 21, 2005 -- No summary available.
Read This Report
Rice Update
EGYPT, January 21, 2005 -- Egypt's total rice exports from
January through the end of September 2004, increased by 31
percent over the same period in 2003. However, due to the
recent rise in value of the Egyptian pound, exporters
anticipate a negative effect on rice exports for the
upcoming season.
Read This Report
The East African Community Customs Union Protocol
KENYA, January 21, 2005 -- The East African Community
approved a Customs Union Protocol commencing 1st of January
2005. As a rule of thumb, tariffs are divided into three
categories; Raw materials 0 percent, Processed or
Manufactured Inputs 10 percent and Finished Products 25
percent. The protocol zero rated duty on most goods traded
between member nations.
Read This Report
Semi Annual
TURKEY, January 21, 2005 -- Turkey's MY 2005 hazelnut crop
development looks normal so far. However, weather conditions
through the end of April are very important. It is still
very early to give a reliable estimate for MY 2004 crop
hazelnuts. Hazelnut prices went up to record high levels due
to low production in two years in a row and very low stocks.
In mid January, export prices were about USD 800 per 100 Kg.
of whole natural hazelnuts and about USD 1,000 per 100 Kg.
of whole processed hazelnuts. FISKOBIRLIK sold out all of
its MY 2003 stocks and most of MY 2001 stocks in recent
months. For the first time in a long period, hazelnut stocks
in Turkey and in the world will be minimum. The import
duties remained at 43.2 percent for shelled and in shell
hazelnuts and 58.5 percent for processed hazelnut products
for all origins.
Read This Report
Value Added Tax and Animal Products
PERU, January 21, 2005 -- After a two week strike of
livestock producers and processors, GOP temporarily lifted
the 19 percent value added tax on live animals, beef and
products.
Read This Report
Biotech Activity in Paraguay
PARAGUAY, January 21, 2005 -- As a continuation to a FAS
sponsored biotechnology conference in Paraguay in 2002, a
follow-up conference was held in Asuncion, November 16 - 17,
2004. The first day of the conference focused on Paraguayan
Parliament members and the Paraguayan Biotechnology
Commission. The second day was a full day conference for the
media, academia, and consumers. Experts from Argentina,
Mexico, Paraguay, and the United States gave presentations
covering the different issues related to biotechnology,
specifically genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The
events allowed the Paraguayan audience to acquire
information on GMOs and to learn from the real-life
experiences of other countries.
Read This Report
Continuance of Compensatory Duties on Beef
Imports to be Determined
MEXICO, January 21, 2005 -- The GOM published in the Diario
Oficial (Federal Register) the notice for Mexican beef
producers and other parties with a legal interest to submit
their comments on a Sunset Review of the compensatory duties
currently applied to beef imports from the United States.
Read This Report
Changes in Taiwan Tariff Rate Quotas
TAIWAN, January 21, 2005 -- On January 1, 2005, Taiwan fully
liberalized trade in four products, including poultry meat,
pork bellies and non-beef offals. Although liberalization
should boost U.S. exports, the application of Special
Safeguards will increase duties for some products. U.S.
exports of chicken and pork products are the most
significant items affected by these changes.
Read This Report
AQSIQ 2004 Decree 68 Fruit Entry Requirements
Finalized (SPS/80)
CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, January 21, 2005 -- AQSIQ 2004
Decree No. 68 "Administrative Measures of Inspection,
Quarantine, and Supervision on Entry Fruit" is scheduled to
enter into force on July 5, 2005 after being finalized on
December 24, 2004. The draft language was previously
released to China's trading partners in WTO notification
G/SPS/N/CHN/80 (GAIN report CH4036). This report is an
UNOFFICIAL translation provided by USDA's Agricultural
Affairs Office in Beijing for the benefit of American
agricultural exports.
Read This Report
Weekly Rice Price Update
THAILAND, January 21, 2005 -- Export prices remained under
upward pressure due to limited exportable supplies and
stronger Thai Baht.
Read This Report
Annual
ITALY, January 21, 2005 -- Italian citrus production in
2004/05 is expected to be particularly high for oranges
(+6%) and tangerines (+7%). Increasing imports and
difficulties in marketing domestic production on the fresh
market are boosting processing of oranges and lemons. While
Italian production is facing increasing difficulties on the
fresh domestic market, Italian producers are trying to
diversify their production by seeking EU protection of
geographic indications.
Read This Report
Report
MOROCCO, January 21, 2005 -- The Moroccan Hotel, Restaurant,
and Institutional (HRI) food business offers an increasing
number of opportunities to U.S. food suppliers especially
under the newly signed Morocco-U.S. FTA. The HRI sector is
likely to grow dramatically in response to various
government policies aimed to increase the number of tourists
to 10 millions by the year 2010.
Read This Report
Bio-Fuels in Hungary
HUNGARY, January 21, 2005 -- Hungary is exploring the
viability of biofuel production and utilization, but no
commercial volumes have been produced. Recent changes in
legislation are directed at increasing biofuel use. Hungary
may be a potential producer of bio-ethanol while the
prospects for biodiesel material (rapeseed) are limited by
agronomical conditions. In terms of utilization, the
Government of Hungary supports blending rather than the pure
use of biofuels.
Read This Report
Import Licenses Update
VENEZUELA, January 21, 2005 -- Up until 2004, there had been
no published data regarding awarded import licenses since
December of 2001. In 2004, information for import licenses
was published through the Ministry of Agriculture and Land's
web page. In general, most quantities are below Venezuela's
tariff rate quota commitments.
Read This Report
GB10344 Labeling Prepackaged Alcoholic Beverages
(G/TBT/N/CHN/72)
CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, January 21, 2005 -- China
notified new changes to GB10344 "General Standard for the
Labeling of Prepackaged Alcoholic Beverages" to the WTO on
January 10, 2005 through G/TBT/N/CHN/72. The document
applies to alcoholic beverages between 0.5 percent and 60
percent alcohol content by volume. China's WTO TBT Enquiry
Point is accepting comments for 60 days following the
notification. All interested U.S. parties exporting
alcoholic beverages to China should provide comments to the
USDA FAS Office of Food Safety and Technical Supervision.
The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the draft
provided free of charge for the benefit of U.S. exporters.
Read This Report
Swedish Forest Owners Severely Affected by
Largest Storm Damage in 100 Year
SWEDEN, January 21, 2005 -- No summary available.
Read This Report
GB13509 Food Additive Xylitol (G/TBT/N/CHN/77)
CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, January 21, 2005 -- China
notified new changes to GB13509 "Food Additive Xylitol" to
the WTO on January 10, 2005 through G/TBT/N/CHN/77. China's
WTO TBT Enquiry Point is accepting comments for 60 days
following the notification. All interested U.S. parties
exporting Xylitol to China should provide comments to the
USDA FAS Office of Food Safety and Technical Supervision.
The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the draft
provided free of charge to the benefit of U.S. exporters.
Read This Report
Country Report - Voluntary Update
CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, January 21, 2005 -- This report
updates information from the 2004 China Food and
Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report
CH4028. It is an index of all agricultural product import
regulations and standards translated by the Agricultural
Affairs Office at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. All
translations are UNOFFICIAL. Updated sections are marked
with an asterisk.
Read This Report
Relevant 2005 Trade Events
BRAZIL, January 21, 2005 -- No summary available.
Read This Report
Relevant 2005 Trade Events
BRAZIL, January 21, 2005 -- No summary available.
Read This Report
Kenya Corn Update Report
KENYA, January 21, 2005 -- Kenya corn production for 2004/05
is estimated at 2.06 million mt (about 17 % below yearly
average production) comprised of 1.71 million mt long rain
harvest and 350,000 mt of short rain harvest. The decline is
attributed to lack of sufficient rain in the main corn
producing areas. 2005/06 production will be dependent on the
performance of the long rains commencing in February/March
2005. Issues of moisture content and GMO restrictions by
Kenya continue to inhibit corn trade between the U.S. and
Kenya
Read This Report
|
Pakissan.com;
|
|
|
