CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 10, 2002 -- Tobacco production fell during 2001 and is forecast to fall further during 2002 as production control efforts begin to have an impact. Imports of both leaf tobacco and cigarettes increased, with further gains forecast for 2002. Imports of leaf tobacco from the U.S. may begin as early as 2002, but only trial shipments are expected during the initial period.

PARAGUAY, May 9, 2002 -- Soybean production for the current crop is estimated to fall to 3.1 million tons due to drought damage in December and January. Production is expected to recover next year to reach 3.6 million tons. Cottonseed production is down due to sharply lower area of 180,000 ha. Area is expected to recover somewhat and increase to 200,000 ha. next year.

ARGENTINA, May 9, 2002 -- Lack of credit and devaluation of the Argentine peso are expected shift area next year to crops which require lower inputs such as soybeans and sunflower. Soybean production this year is estimated to increase to 30 million tons (up 500,000 tons from the previous estimate). Soybean production next year is expected to be 29.5 million tons, as lower yields offset higher area.

MOROCCO, May 9, 2002 -- Production of late-maturing oranges for 2001/2002 is revised downward. Total exports of fresh citrus are not expected to increase dramatically from last year in spite of the significant increase in Clementine-like and Navel exports. Orange processing is not expected to exceed 30,000 MT because of the high local prices for fresh oranges.

SPAIN, May 9, 2002 -- At this time of the year, when most fruit trees are blooming, there are no data available to estimate any crop, and to estimate the canned deciduous fruit production. Canned peach and pear production is expected to be lower to minimize stocks. Total exports of canned peaches and pears in calendar year 2001 decreased.

SPAIN, May 9, 2002 -- Cigarette sales are growing in Spain to record levels and so are cigarette imports which are growing rapidly. Blended tobacco, the main United States tobacco exports to Spain, continues to decline due to a cut back in the production of Philips Morris' brands in Spain. Although U.S. unmanufactured tobacco imports in 2001 declined to $115 million, $31 million less than in 2000, they still continue to lead by far the Spanish market, with a market share of 50 percent.

ARGENTINA, May 9, 2002 -- Lower fresh production and depressed prices have reduced production of canned peaches to a level not seen since 1996. Exports are more profitable due to the Argentine peso devaluation and should increase slightly despite lower production. Domestic consumption is expected to fall drastically due to the economic crisis.

ARGENTINA, May 9, 2002 -- Argentina imports of planting seeds are expected to fall as a result of the current threefold higher rate of exchange compared with that of January 2002. Imports of forage planting seeds are expected to be more affected. Nearly 90 % of the beef produced in Argentina goes to the domestic market and beef prices continue to be below world prices. Imported inputs as fertilizer and pesticides are now more expensive in local currency, while export taxes of 20% on major crops have meant that prices have fallen in dollar terms.

DENMARK, May 10, 2002 -- 2001 grain harvest at record 9.8 million tons, 200,000 tons above record 1990 harvest. Winter planting for harvesting in 2002 is five percent above previous year.

DENMARK, May 10, 2002 -- This report contains 2001 statistics. A full report with narratives will be transmitted after mid-May.

PORTUGAL, May 10, 2002 -- On the rise, Portuguese total soybean crushing is forecasted to total 1.055 million and 1.21 million MT in MY2001/02 and in MY2002/03 respectively. Further consumption growth is anticipated in the medium-term. U.S. soybean exports to Portugal are expected to reach 277,000 Mt in MY2002/03. 1 USD = 1.12 Euros.

POLAND, May 10, 2002 -- Poland's tobacco sector is in a state of transition as Poland prepares for EU accession which its government hopes to achieve by January 2004. It appears that Poland's post-accession tobacco production quota will likely be 36,000 tons. Meanwhile, tobacco production declined for the third consecutive year in MY 2001/02 largely due to poor weather conditions. The general trend in declining planted area is expected to continue as demand decreases due to anti-smoking campaigns and likely much higher post-accession tobacco product taxes. Approximately 45 percent of all adult males and 22 percent of females in Poland smoke. Tobacco imports and cigarette exports increased in 2001 while cigarette smuggling appears to have risen.

GERMANY, May 10, 2002 -- Raw cotton imports totaled 146,125 MT in MY 2000/2001, up 15 percent from the previous MY, mainly due to the low price level. For MY2001/2002 declining imports are expected. Imports of U.S. cotton amounted to 6,357 MT in MY 2000/2001.

JAPAN, May 10, 2002 -- Japanese domestic leaf production in 2001 totaled 60,565 metric tons (MT), farm sales weight, down slightly from 60,803 MT in the previous year. Planting area also declined from 23,991 ha. the previous year to 23,411 ha. These trends are expected to continue. While Japan's cigarette imports also declined marginally, U.S. retained a 95% share of the import market.

FRANCE, May 10, 2002 -- France has a structural trade deficit for seafood. The deficit is characterized by a strong consumer demand for seafood combined with limited domestic production which, in turn, resulted in French seafood imports of Euro 3.34 billion in 2001. Outside Europe, the United States is the leading seafood supplier to France. In France, best market prospects for U.S. seafood and products are surimi, lobster, and salmon.

FRANCE, May 10, 2002 -- The French Hotel, Restaurant and Institution (HRI) food service is a $51.4 billion market industry serving more than 7 billion meals per year outside the home. HRI is a highly competitive market offering opportunities for a variety of reasonably-priced, high quality and innovative U.S. products such as frozen prepared meals, single portion packaged foods, alcoholic beverages, ethnic foods and fish. Experts predict that this market will grow at a rate of, at least, 5 percent per year in the next few years as new lifestyles take hold in France. U.S.-style outlets, especially fast food restaurants are doing well in France.

CANADA, May 10, 2002 -- Based on the April 24, 2002 Statistics Canada (STC) seeding intentions survey, in Western Canada, area seeded to canola is expected to increase for 2002/03 while the area seeded to soybeans is expected to decrease. Total production of oilseeds in Canada for 2002/03 is forecast to increase to 7.9 MMT from about 6.7 MMT in 2001/02, assuming slightly below-normal yields. The supply of oilseeds is forecast to decrease slightly due to low carry-in stocks and a reduced imports. In Canada, oilseed prices, except flaxseed, are expected to decline.

PHILIPPINES, May 10, 2002 -- The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned, effective 6 May 2002, the importation of FMD-susceptible animals, their products and by-products from mainland South Korea.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, May 13, 2002 -- Market Year (MY) 2000/2001 Unshu orange outdoor production is estimated at 624,000 metric tons (MT), 12-percent lower than the initial forecast, due to strong measures undertake by the Cheju citrus industry to reduce volume entering the fresh market. MY 2002 citrus production is forecast at 630,000 MT, including 27,000 MT of greenhouse production. In CY 2002, imports are projected in the 100,000 - 120,000 MT range based on a favorable market environment; and several major events -- FIFA World Cup games and Asian games plus local and national elections. In 2002, Cheju was designated as a "Free Trade Zone." The draft development plan issued includes initiatives to enhance the citrus industry's competitiveness in coming years.

PHILIPPINES, May 13, 2002 -- Coconut oil and copra meal exports in December 2001 declined 46 and 11 percent, respectively, compared to their levels the previous year. A total of 1,575 tons of copra were also exported during the month, 43 percent below its December 2000 level.

BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, May 13, 2002 -- Unscheduled Report

EUROPEAN UNION, May 13, 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 13, 2002 -- On May 7, 2002, the Secretariat of Economy published in the "Diario Oficial" (Federal Register) a final decision from the Binational Panel established by NAFTA on the U.S. HFCS antidumping duties case. The authorities have 30 days from the date of announcement to lift up the duties on HFCS.

TURKEY, May 14, 2002 -- The Turkish Grain Board (TMO) held its fourth tender for CY 2002 on March 28, 2002 and sold only 8,000 MT of white feed barley.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, May 14, 2002 -- The Russian tobacco industry operates in an environment of insignificant domestic tobacco leaf production and high (and expanding) utilization of raw material imports. These imports have allowed the domestic cigarette industry to grow, while negatively affecting cigarette imports over the last five years. Consumption itself has been relatively stable. For 2002, cigarette production, consumption and trade are expected to show little change from 2001.

CANADA, May 14, 2002 -- The following paper lists U.S. agri-food companies with significant investments in Canada as well as Canadian agri-food companies with investments in the United States. The total stock of US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada was $126.4 billion in 2000, representing over 72% of total FDI in Canada, and is concentrated in manufacturing, finance and natural resources. The stock of Canadian FDI in the US was US$103.7 billion, amounting to 52% of total Canadian direct investment abroad.

CANADA, May 14, 2002 -- According to Statistics Canada, total stocks, including commercial and on-farm inventories, of all grains and oilseeds except corn were lower than 2001, according to recent surveys of farmers and commercial grain holders across Canada. The stocks figures parallel the production results for the 2001/02 crop year with declines reported for all grains and oilseeds except corn. Corn acreage and yields in Canada were higher than the 2000/01 crop year.

BARBADOS, May 14, 2002 -- This report provides information on Barbados' regulatory environment a it relates to imports of U.S. food and beverage products. Despite having certain licensing requirements for selected products and extensive labeling requirements for most foodstuffs, U.S. suppliers will find Barbados to be a relatively open market for most U.S. products.

MEXICO, May 14, 2002 -- The early official forecast for the 2002 spring/summer harvest is lower than previously estimated. FAS/Mexico is maintaining the previous cotton forecast for MY 2001/02 until it publishes its Annual Cotton Report in early June 2002.

MEXICO, May 14, 2002 -- Announcement on HFCS Antidumping Case*Egg Consumption Campaign*Farmers Plan Border Blockade Over Water

CANADA, May 14, 2002 -- Canada's federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers made progress in Ottawa, May 6-7, toward signing an umbrella agreement on the proposed Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) for their annual meeting next month in Halifax. The APF has five key elements: (1) business risk management; (2) food safety and quality; (3) environment; (4)

JAPAN, May 15, 2002 -- U.S. grapefruit captures consumer demand for another year. Sales are expected to reach 210,000 metric tons this year, according to Tokyo traders. Japanese grapefruit remains stable in volume and price. Fresh U.S. orange imports will decline to 100,000 tons this year, despite a good crop, due to higher U.S. prices. The quality of fresh U.S. lemons remains constant and volumes are estimated to reach 70,000 tons this season.

MALAYSIA, May 15, 2002 -- Tobacco was America's second largest ag. export item to Malaysia in 2001. Low domestic output forced the tobacco manufacturers to sharply increase flue-cured leaf imports. Imports of burley also soared in response to the sharp increase in production of US blended cigarettes. For 2002, Post expects leaf imports to decline as tobacco manufacturers work down on stocks. Domestic output of flue-cured is expected to increase to 9,400 MT while burley output is likely to rise to 1,130 MT in 2002. Cigarette prices went up by US$0.11 to 0.13 per packet of 20 in response to a hike in import and excise duties in Oct, 2001. Effective Jan 1, 2002, the import duty on imported tobacco leaves has been reduced to US$10.53/kg

JAPAN, May 15, 2002 -- A summary of current news reports in America's largest food and agricultural export market as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: food sales of Japan Chain Stores Association member companies fall 2.2% in February; Japan Food Service Association member company sales fall 5.9% in February; Yoshinoya and Sukiya both hold discount promotions in April to accelerate gradually recovering beef bowl sales; Outback Steakhouse plans to open 28 outlets in Japan by March 2005; Tokyo Metropolitan Government launches new Food and Drug Safety Division on April 1; and Japan Tobacco's Australian subsidiary obtains a 40% share of Swickers, the fourth largest pork processing company in Australia.

ARGENTINA, May 15, 2002 -- Argentine tobacco production for MY2002 is estimated at a record 127,500 metric tons. This is a result of producers expanding area and excellent weather. Exports are also projected to become a record with a total volume of 75,700 metric tons. Flue cured will account for more than half of total foreign sales, followed by burley and dark air and sun cured tobacco. Tobacco domestic consumption is expected to fall as result of declining cigarette sales. As result of the recent strong devaluation of the local currency, which improved competitiveness, Argentine tobacco exports are expected to increase in the next few years, while domestic demand will remain quite flat.

CANADA, May 15, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * Oilseed and Products Annual Report * Moratorium on Hog Barns in Quebec * Western Canada Most Efficient in Feeder Pigs, but Losing Edge in Finishing Hogs * Goodale Calls Farm Bill "Foul" Legislation * Minister Vanclief Meets with USDA's Ann Veneman * Canada Can't Match U.S. Subsidies. Will Try to "Mitigate" Impact * Agriculture Ministers Work Toward Formal Agreement on New Agriculture Policy Framework * Canadian Stocks of Grain and Oilseeds Lower Except for Corn

BRAZIL, May 15, 2002 -- The MY 2002/03 Brazilian coffee production is forecast at 46.85 million 60-kg bags, up 39 percent from MY 2001/02 estimate. The average yield for the current harvest is placed at 20.2 bags (60 kg) per ha., due to good weather conditions, fair crop management, the on-year of the biennial production cycle for a significant number of trees, among other factors. Total MY 2002/03 coffee exports are expected to reach 28.6 million bags, a 15 percent increase compared to previous MY due to the competitiveness of the Brazilian product internationally.

JAPAN, May 16, 2002 -- The Food Agency (FA) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) recently announced that on May 31, 2002, it will conduct the first Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) rice tender for 20,000 metric tons for Japanese Fiscal Year 2002 (April 2002 - March 2003).

TAIWAN, May 17, 2002 -- The Department of Health published new nutrition labeling and nutrition claim regulations based on Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Consumer-packaged foods produced on or after September 1, 2002 must conform with the new regulations. In addition, all dairy products and all beverages produced after January 1, 2003, except alcoholic beverages, must have nutrition labeling. The English language version of the regulation on nutrition labeling is included in this report. Labeling must be in Mandarin Chinese using Traditional characters.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 16, 2002 -- Although TRQs for both wheat and corn have been issued, import purchases are very weak due to a combination of market conditions and Government actions. Chinese state-owned trading companies continue to make corn available for export at well below prevailing domestic market prices.

INDIA, May 16, 2002 -- Unattractive prices continue to depress Indian coffee production. Exports fell 13 percent in CY 2001, and expected to decline another 10 percent this year.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 16, 2002 -- Export opportunities exist in south China's retail sector for U.S. companies, but the demand for imports is not as great as in years past. Products with the best prospects include: infant formula, fresh fruit and nuts, candies, microwave popcorn, and many others. Companies can improve their market entry chances by working with the ATO Guangzhou.

EUROPEAN UNION, May 16, 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".

COLOMBIA, May 16, 2002 -- Due to the Avian Influenze outbreak in Virginia and North Carolina, Colombia has halted imports of live poultry from all of the United States and imports of all live poultry and poultry products from the two states where the outbreaks occurred.

ARGENTINA, May 16, 2002 -- Argentine sugar production for MY2003 is projected at 1.55 million metric tons, slightly lower than the previous year. Returns in MY2002 were in many cases negative, affecting the investment in plantations. With the strong currency devaluation in the first three months of CY2002, Argentina has improved its competitiveness, but a reduced output in the coming crop will limit export expansion.

EUROPEAN UNION, May 13, 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".

PHILIPPINES, May 16, 2002 -- Growing demand for coffee coupled with the continuing slow decline in domestic coffee production through MY02/03 and low world market prices will result in a surge in coffee imports in MY01/02 to 292,000 bags. Imports in MY02/03 will likely decline compared to its MY01/02 level as prices increase and stock levels remain adequate.

COLOMBIA, May 16, 2002 -- Colombian agricultural policy makers and leading associations have expressed strong concerns about the newly-signed U.S. farm bill. Colombia insists that U.S. agricultural products will not received increased access to the Colombian market, as long as U.S. internal supports remain so high.

VENEZUELA, May 16, 2002 -- No summary available.

INDONESIA, May 17, 2002 -- Faced with rising costs of production and low prices, production is expected to continue falling, reaching 5,780 thousand 60 Kg bags (tbags) in marketing year 2002/03. If strictly implemented, a new International Coffee Organization resolution governing quality standards could hamper exports. In line with expectations for lower domestic supplies, total bean exports are expected to decline to 4,500 tbags in 2002/03. Imports remain relatively insignificant relative to overall supply, limited to a small quantity for blending then re-exported.

THAILAND, May 17, 2002 -- Weekly rice price and trade update.

NETHERLANDS, May 17, 2002 -- Dutch pig stock is declining to the level of 1985.

SPAIN, May 17, 2002 -- Spain's 2001/02 citrus production is estimated at 5,539,350 metric tons, slightly higher than the previous campaign. Citrus exports during the 2000/01 campaign decreased due to a shorter crop.

MEXICO, May 17, 2002 -- Mexico will continue to be one of the most important markets for U.S.dairy products, given its NAFTA schedule for reducing and/or eliminating tariffs, coupled with projections for population and income growth. Poor sanitation and genetics, inefficient cold storage and refrigeration, and out-dated transportation and marketing facilities continue to limit expansion in semi-confined systems and dual purpose cattle operations. As a result, Mexico will likely continue to import significant amounts of nonfat dry milk (NDM) and whole milk powder (WMP) to meet growing domestic demand.

GUATEMALA, May 17, 2002 -- The overall rain season in Guatemala is expected to be slightly delayed due to the warming phase of "El Niño" phenomenon. In some regions strong showers have occurs but for much of the country including the highlands where many marginal farmers live rains have not begun.