EGYPT, May 24, 2002 -- Growing tobacco in Egypt is illegal. Cigarette production is a government monopoly. Egypt's tobacco imports in 2001 are estimated at 56,548 MT, almost the same level as 2000.

EGYPT, May 24, 2002 -- Total wheat imports hit little over 6 million metric tons since the beginning of the marketing year (July 2001), roughly one million MT higher than this time last year. For the first time, FIHC purchased imported wheat locally through a reseller rather than importing directly.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Executive Order No. 83 dated March 15, 2002 reduced the tariffs of other fats and oils derived from milk (HS 0405.90 00) from 3 percent to one (1) percent effective May 1, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Tariffs for palm oil and its fractions have been raised by the issuance of Executive Order No. 83 (EO 83) dated March 15, 2002. The higher duties took effect May 1, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Executive Order No. 83 (EO 83) dated last March 15, 2002 creates a new tariff line for tomato powders (HS 2002.90 20) and sets the duty at 3 percent effective May 1, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Tariffs for cheese flavoring powder and fortificant premixes (vitamins and minerals), as well as other food flavorings used in the preparation of composite concentrates for beverages, have been reduced from 3 percent to one (1) percent by the issuance of Executive Order No. 83 (EO 83). EO 83 likewise creates a new tariff line for yeast extract powder which is levied a 3 percent duty. The new and reduced tariffs took effect May 1, 2002.

MALAYSIA, May 23, 2002 -- Malaysia's food manufacturing industry continues to offer good potential for U.S. food ingredients. Total industry sales saw steady growth of around 9% per annum over the 5 years period to 1999. Industry sources comments that the food processing industry is likely to grow by between 5% and 10% over the next three years.

PHILIPPINES, May 23, 2002 -- Executive Order No. 84 (EO 84) outlines the tariff schedule for livestock and poultry meat products through 2004. The tariff schedule took effect May 19, 2002 with duties on some meat and meat products reduced.

PHILIPPINES, May 23, 2002 -- Out-Quota tariffs for corn will be reduced from 65 percent in 2002 to 50 percent in 2003 onwards by Executive Order No. 84 (EO 84).

PHILIPPINES, May 23, 2002 -- Tariffs for soybeans and linseed oil and its fractions were reduced from 3 percent to one percent by Executive Order No. 91 effective April 21, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 23, 2002 -- Executive Order No. 84 (EO 84) sets the out-quota tariff rates for raw cane and beet sugars whether with flavorings or coloring matter (HS 17.01) through 2004.

YUGOSLAVIA (>01/2001), May 23, 2002 -- No summary available.

YUGOSLAVIA (>01/2001), May 23, 2002 -- Dry spring weather is continuing in Serbia. The hardest hit area is the breadbasket of Vojvodina in the north. Both spring planting and winter crops are suffering from warm, dry conditions. Central and southern Serbia are in better shape with localized rainfall over the past month.

ROMANIA, May 23, 2002 -- Dry conditions in Romania’s main cereal-growing areas have negatively affected yield potential for the 2001/02 crop. Production of grains is expected to decrease in comparison to the previous marketing year, offering only a small exportable margin over domestic requirements.

PHILIPPINES, May 23, 2002 -- Philippine agriculture expanded 3.8 percent in the first quarter of the year enhanced by favorable weather conditions with all sub-sectors registering positive gains. This makes the annual target of reaching a growth rate of 2.7 to 3.7 percent for agriculture very attainable, according to Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Q. Montemayor.

AUSTRALIA, May 23, 2002 -- Milk production for the 2001/02 season is forecast to reach 11,404 TMT, an increase of 5 percent on the previous year. Post forecasts production of cheese in 2001/02 to increase 10 percent, butter and WMP to remain flat and SMP to fall 5 percent.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Tariffs for animal fats and oils (HS 1516.10 00) have been reduced by Executive Order No. 91 (EO 91) from 3 percent to one percent effective April 21, 2002.

KENYA, May 24, 2002 -- Kenya's vegetable oil consumption is estimated at about 380,000 tons annually. Domestic production covers less than one third of annual demand with the balance being met through imports (mainly palm oil from Malaysia). Kenya imported about 310,000 tons and 323,000 tons in the year 2000 and 2001 respectively. A marginal import increase is forecast to 350,000 tons for 2002.

MEXICO, May 24, 2002 -- On May 20, 2002, the Secretariat of Economy published in the "Diario Oficial" (Federal Register) the Government of Mexico's resolution to comply with the NAFTA Binational Panel's final decision of April 15, 2002 to lift antidumping duties on U.S. high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) imports.

BARBADOS, May 24, 2002 -- The Barbados' Ministry of Commerce, Consumer Affairs and Business Development announced that effective May 15, 2002, the Ministry would be implementing the "In-quota System", as set out in Barbados' Schedule of Commitment under the World Trade Organization(WTO) for some agricultural product imports.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Executive Order No. 91 (EO 91) creates 2 new tariff lines under rice in the husk or paddy rice (HS 1006.10 00) as a result of including paddy rice used for sowing (HS1006.10 10) which may be imported duty-free. EO 91 took effect last April 21, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Tariffs for lactose and lactose syrup (HS 1702.11 00) have been reduced by Executive Order No. 91 (EO 91) from 3 percent to one percent effective April 21, 2002.

PHILIPPINES, May 24, 2002 -- Tariffs for malt, malt extracts, hop cones as well as saps and extracts of hops have been reduced from 3 percent to one percent by the issuance of Executive Order No. 83 (EO 83) dated March 15, 2002. The reduced duties took effect May 1, 2002.

DENMARK, May 27, 2002 -- This report is an overview of the Danish agricultural characteristics, including production, marketing, trade and the food processing and retail sectors.

DENMARK, May 27, 2002 -- Scope paper for Denmark. The report is an overview of the demographic/ economic characteristics of Denmark, including production, trade and policy sections.

TURKEY, May 27, 2002 -- The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) held its sixth tender for CY 2002 on May 21, 2002 and sold only 10,000 MT of white feed barley and 5,000 MT of black and blue feed barley. The wheat and barley harvest is about to start in Cukurova Region and crop prospects continue to be good. Depending on production levels, TMO barley exports likely to continue next year.

MEXICO, May 27, 2002 -- Due to poor international prices and insufficient government support, Mexico's area planted to cotton is expected to decrease by 50 percent for MY 2002/03. Production is also projected to fall to 188,000 bales, the lowest level in eight years. With the anticipated decline in domestic demand, imports are forecast to decrease 50,000 bales to 1.75 million bales.

MEXICO, May 27, 2002 -- Fresh tomato production production forecast for MY 20001/02 was revised slightly upward, while tomato for the processing industry was revised downward. Fresh tomato exports for MY 2001/02 are expected to be slightly under MY 2000/01 exports, due to lower international prices. Tomato paste production was revised downward and imports were revised upward for MY 2002/03.

MEXICO, May 27, 2002 -- On May 17, 2002 the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food published in the "Diario Oficial" (Federal Register) an announcement declaring the Mexican territory as free of Salmonella pullorum. This declaration does not imply an international recognition.

MEXICO, May 27, 2002 -- The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fishery and Food (SAGARPA) published in Mexico's "Diario Oficial" (Federal Register) the final rule NOM-066-FITO-2002 that establishes the specifications for the movement of avocado for the export and domestic markets.

NICARAGUA, May 27, 2002 -- Nicaragua's green coffee exports decreased to approximately 777,000 60-kg bags during the 2001/2002 harvest. Major trading partners include the United States, Germany and Spain. International low prices have created a disincentive for production, and many farms are facing serious cash-flow problems.

DENMARK, May 23, 2002 -- Routine inspection of a dairy cow disclosed the 9th case of BSE in Denmark. This is the first case in 2002. Milk substitute in feed is suspected as the source.

JAPAN, May 28, 2002 -- Japan's fluid milk output is forecast to slightly increase in 2002 due to slow liquidation of dairy cows following the BSE crisis. Japan's NFDM surplus is expected to continue in 2002 due to stagnant ingredient demand. Despite an expected rise in butter production, supplies will likely remain tight, and imports of butter under the current access are anticipated. Japanese cheese imports are expected to rebound in 2002 driven by increased demand for natural cheese. Imports of U.S. natural cheese are up by 51% during the first quarter of 2002.

SPAIN, May 28, 2002 --

IRELAND, May 28, 2002 -- An Egyptian veterinarian team is visiting an Irish meat plant to discuss acceptable specifications for beef exports to Egypt. A trial shipment however is not expected to signify an early resumption of large volumes of exports there.

DENMARK, May 23, 2002 -- This report contains 2001 statistics. A full report with narratives will be transmitted after mid-May.

ESTONIA, May 28, 2002 -- International cuisines have gained popularity and essentially changed the profile of restaurant business in Estonia. Fast food chains are popular with young Estonians. Restaurants mostly cater to high/middle income groups, the growing expatriate community, and the increasing numbers of tourists and visiting businessmen. The tourism business is the key market driver. There were about 1.3 million visitors to Estonia, which is approximately equal to the country's population. Prospects for HRI sector development are good. Sales by the food catering sector grew to US$ 116 million in 2000. The major current constraint is the Estonian tariff schedule that places European suppliers and partners of Free Trade Agreements at a price advantage vis-a-vis U.S. suppliers.

EUROPEAN UNION, May 28, 2002 -- No summary available.

MEXICO, May 24, 2002 -- On May 23, 2002, Mexico's Secretariat of Economy announced it will conduct an auction on June 20, 2002, for permits (cupos) for the Mexican private sector to import 800,000 Kgs. of milk powder duty-free from MFN trading partners. This is the fourth auction this year.

DENMARK, May 29, 2002 -- Pressure on export markets decreases Danish pork exports and, especially, export earnings. Prices to pork producers are reduced drastically and is forecast to further decreases. In spite of this, Danish pork production continue to increase.

VIETNAM, May 29, 2002 -- Vietnam's coffee sector is suffering through a dismal period. After hitting record production levels last years, low international prices have caused a reduction in crop area and production. Although coffee prices recovered in the second quarter of the 2001/2002 marketing year, they are still below the estimated break-even costs. Vietnam's coffee exports have been relatively stagnant because of tight supplies. Coffee production in 2002/03 is forecast to drop even further.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, May 29, 2002 -- Total CY 2002 citrus production is estimated to increase 5 percent to about 1.6 million tons, due to the positive effects of soil moisture content, sunlight, increased area harvested and improved cultivars in key citrus growing areas. Increases in output are estimated at 6% for oranges and 11% for lemons. Grapefruit area and output are stagnating based on weak international demand. The EU has imposed a zero-tolerance on imports from South Africa of citrus products affected by black spot. Planted area figures have been revised significantly based on a new census.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 29, 2002 -- Sugar production for MY 02 is now expected to be higher than originally forecast. Increased production is forecast to continue through MY 03. To keep prices from falling further, the government has announced a plan to purchase sugar for placement into the national reserves. Imports are also forecast to fall.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 24, 2002 -- Initial reports indicate that soybean planted area may not increase in MY 02. Soybean imports, which ceased on March 20 as a result of China's biotech management rules, now appear likely to resume in June. In the meantime, commercial soybean stocks are running out, and prices for soybeans and soybean meal are rising. The Ministry of Health recently announced its own labeling requirements for biotech products. The potential impact of these regulations on trade remains unclear.

SPAIN, May 29, 2002 -- Due to the high CIF price for U.S. sorghum during the past year and a half, only minimal amounts have been imported under the U.S.-EU Enlargement Agreement. The EU's moratorium on GMOs continues to keep U.S. corn out of the Spanish market. Based on final import data for the last few years and taking only into account imports in the Peninsular Spain (Canary Islands imports of corn are excluded), about 1,185,696 metric tons of corn and 453,339 metric tons of sorghum remain to be imported by Spain by February 28, 2003 in order to meet the requirements established under the U.S.-EU Enlargement Agreement.

AUSTRIA, May 24, 2002 -- The 2002 rapeseed area is expected to be unchanged while the soybean area should decline somewhat compared to 2001. The present crop situation is satisfactory.

MEXICO, May 29, 2002 -- Division Over Agricultural Subsidies*Imported U.S. HFCS Compensatory Duties Lifted*New Ports of Entry for U.S. Imported Potato Products*Mexico, Canada Unite Against U.S. Farm Subsidies*Mexican Economy Falls 3.5 Percent in March

MEXICO, May 29, 2002 -- On May 17, 2002, the Secretariat of Treasury announced in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register) official ports of entry for U.S. imported potato products and additional information required to import fresh potatoes.

MEXICO, May 29, 2002 -- On May 22, 2002, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food published in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register) a final regulation to establish the phytosanitary requirements to produce and transport virus-free citrus propagative material.

MEXICO, May 29, 2002 -- On May 24, 2002, the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food published in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register) an emergency regulation on Avian Influenza eradication campaign that will go into effect May 25, 2002. Post is working with the Mexican government of the provisions included in this regulation.

INDIA, May 31, 2002 -- Indian cotton production is expected to increase marginally this year. Despite comfortable local supplies, MY 2002/03 imports are forecast at 2 million bales (170 kg) due to the likelihood of depressed world prices, and an anticipated recovery in export demand for textiles.

ARGENTINA, May 28, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during February 2002.

ARGENTINA, May 28, 2002 -- Argentine exports of oilseeds, meal and oil during February 2002

EUROPEAN UNION, May 28, 2002 -- 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 weekly USDA publication "Rice Market News".

MEXICO, May 28, 2002 -- This report contains Mexico's import tariff schedule with unofficial translation of the product description and the NAFTA tariff rates charged to U.S. exporters through December 31, 2002. (NOTE: This document contains 152 pages)

BULGARIA, May 31, 2002 -- For the first time in 10 years, MY01/02 sunflower seed production was not enough to meet domestic demand. Uneven local crops have opened the door to imports of high quality (moderate priced) oilseeds, meals and oils. Imports of U.S. soy oil could increase due to development of local food processing industry. There is a potential for soybeans if crushing operations are improved. Bulgaria remains – in the near term– a chronic protein meal deficit market.

POLAND, May 31, 2002 -- On May 2, 2002, the Polish Veterinary Inspectorate detected Poland's first BSE case. It is estimated that the outbreak of BSE will decrease domestic beef consumption in 2002 by six percent and exports of beef by 30 percent. There is slightly increased demand for the very small amount of high-end U.S. beef steaks entering Poland.

JAPAN, May 31, 2002 -- On May 17, the Food Agency (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) conducted its second simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) tender for feed wheat and barley during Japanese fiscal year 2002. The FA contracted 13,970 metric tons of wheat and 160,000 metric tons of barley.

MEXICO, May 31, 2002 -- On June 25, 2002, Mexico's Secretariat of Economy will conduct an auction for import permits (cupos) for the Mexican private sector to import 5,722 MT of U.S. edible pork fat and oils under the NAFTA tariff rate quotas.

MEXICO, May 31, 2002 -- On June 21, 2002, the Secretariat of Economy will auction import permits (cupos) to import duck, goose, and guinea meat from the United States. The permits will be for the second semester of 2002 imports.

HONDURAS, May 29, 2002 -- The coffee crisis in Honduras has been a result of the steady decline in world coffee prices which are at their lowest level in 30 years. The 2002/03 coffee harvest is forecast at 2,450,000 60 KG bags, 5.7 percent less than the revised estimate of the 2001/02 coffee crop. It is reported that some 20,000 small producers have abandoned coffee production. Many farmers are unable to cover production costs. Exports during 2002/03 are estimated to be 2,200,000 bags.

NEW ZEALAND, May 29, 2002 -- New Zealand's fluid milk production in 2001/2002 is forecast to rise nearly 5 percent to a new record. Dairy cow numbers have significantly increased and good climatic conditions during the season, including the February-March period resulted in higher than normal production in most areas. Cheese and nonfat dry milk exports in 2001/2002 are forecast to increase by about 14 percent and 13 percent, respectively, while butter and wholemilk powder exports are forecast to decrease by about 9 and 7 percent, respectively. Since the dairy industry merger last year, Fonterra has established a range of new alliances, the most significant being with Nestlé SA to form Dairy Partners Americas. Fonterra expects to generate more than half of its earnings through overseas operations by 2010 if it can realize its growth goals to become a fully global marketer. National milk production is forecast to increase by 3 percent in 2002/2003.