FAS Weekly Attache Report Digest
November 30, 2002

AUSTRALIA, November 22, 2002 -- The United States and Australia have announced an intent to negotiate a bilateral free trade agreement. Agricultural issues will likely be an important component of these talks.

MALAYSIA, November 22, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, November 22, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, November 22, 2002 -- No summary available.

KAZAKHSTAN, REPUBLIC OF, November 21, 2002 -- Kazakhstan's MY 2002/03 wheat production forecast has been increased 2.5 million metric tons (MMT) to 12.0 MMT, based on better than expected yields. The MY2002/03 wheat export ferecast remains unchanged at 5.0 MMT due to lower demand from regional importers and poor grain quality.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 21, 2002 -- This is a brief description and breakdown of subsidies granted to the EU bovine sector in 2002.

HONG KONG, November 21, 2002 -- Total retail sales of food and drinks in Hong Kong for 2001 rose 2.5% while retail sales of food, alcoholic drinks, and tobacco (excluding sales in supermarkets) for Jan-Sept 2002 decreased 3.6%, that for supermarkets increased 1.2%, compared with the same period last year. Although the supermarket category constitutes a very tiny number of Hong Kong's total retail outlets, its share in terms of retail sales has risen from 44% of total sales in 1995 to 52% in 2001. A very noticeable trend in the past year or so, many internationally known branded products, historically associated with and produced in the U.S.A., are now produced overseas, even in Mainland China.

COTE D'IVOIRE, November 21, 2002 -- Unstable political situation since September 19, 2002, has slowed down log deliveries to industrial mills and is hampering general economic activities. Cote d'Ivoire log imports are on the rise as local log production is flattening. Government reforestation objectives is unlikely to be achieved due to budgetary and political problems as financing for forest projects has dwindled.

NEW ZEALAND, November 22, 2002 -- New Zealand's retail food sector offers U.S. exporters marketing opportunities for a broad spectrum of consumer-ready food products. Import agents and distributors represent the best sales channel for those seeking to establish sales relationship in New Zealand. New, innovative, and high quality food products are in demand.

COLOMBIA, November 25, 2002 -- Colombia's coffee production reached 11.95 million bags (60 kg) in 2001/02 crop year, 13.8 percent higher than a year before. Production is forecast to fall to 11.25 million bags for 2002/03. The International Coffee Organization agreed to withdraw 4 million bags from the market during October 2002 and September 2003.

GREECE, November 26, 2002 -- In 2001, Greece imported an estimated total of $87 million in seeds of which $40 million was from U.S. field crop, vegetable, and other seeds. Traditional Greek imports include seeds for cotton, corn, alfalfa, and field or covered vegetables but markets are also growing for wheat seed, bedding and ornamental plants and grasses, in particular, in mixture packs. The U.S. market share and volume of cotton seed exports has been negatively affected by an ambiguous import policy on adventitious presence of GMOs in conventional seed. Consequently, locally produced cotton seed is increasing, but it is of poor quality. New GOG regulations in compliance with EU legislation require all wheat seed to be 100% certified.

KENYA, November 26, 2002 -- Kenya coffee production and exports were estimated at 52,000 and 48,000 mt respectively for 2001/02. A marginal increase to 55,000 mt is forecast for 2002/03. The coffee industry is struggling as it implements the new Act amidst many problems ranging from low farmer morale, low prices, production issues, marketing and policy matters.

TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF, November 26, 2002 -- Tanzania coffee experienced a 35 percent drop in production. Figures obtained from Tanzania Coffee Board give production at 37,466 mt for the year 2001/02. A rebound in production in Tanzania has been constrained by serious problems including poor economic performance, poor farmer morale, limited access to credit and failure of the payment system to farmers in the co-operative sector despite recent reforms.

KENYA, November 26, 2002 -- Kenyan macadamia production increased from 5,800 tons in 2001 to 6,400 ton (wet in shell basis) in 2002. There was a 10 percent in exports earning the country about kshs 388 million. Both production and exports are forecast to increase during 2003.

THAILAND, November 26, 2002 -- The Thai government seeks to control over the inflow of animal feed and ingredients through their new import regulation. This will likely hurt U.S. exporters if it is fully implemented.

FRANCE, November 26, 2002 -- With a real growth domestic product (GDP) increase of 1.8 percent in 2001 and estimated at 1.2 percent for calendar year 2002. France offers niche market opportunities for U.S. exporters in a wide range of products. Significant market opportunities exist in a number of areas such as fish and seafood, processed fruits and vegetables, including fruit juices, beverages including wine and spirits, fresh and dried fruits including nuts and meat and offals.

SAUDI ARABIA, November 26, 2002 -- The Saudi Minister of Agriculture disclosed recently his plan to stop forage production in Saudi Arabia in the near future. In 2000, U.S. supplied 77 percent of the total forage seed importers to the Kingdom.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 26, 2002 -- EU legislation on prepackaging sizes can be simplified and improved. In order to make justifiable policy choices the European Commission has launched two complementary on-line consultations, consisting of a survey questionnaire and a discussion forum.

NIGERIA, November 26, 2002 -- Import duties on food products have increased significantly since last year's report. Nigeria's retail food sector however, still offers excellent sales opportunities for U.S. consumer-ready food products. U.S. exporters however, must invest the necessary time and energy to successfully enter and develop this market. Establishing meaningful trade relationships with experienced local importers is the key to doing business in the growing Nigerian market.

POLAND, November 26, 2002 -- As Poland approaches probable EU membership in 2004, prospects for current U.S. agricultural exports to Poland will change. The report focuses on such exports and how sales of these products will be affected by Poland's EU accession. The intent is to provide U.S. product exporters with information that they should take into consideration as they develop marketing strategies for the Polish market. This report examines near term impact but does not focus on longer term trade ramifications of EU production quotas and farm supports for Poland.

AUSTRIA, November 26, 2002 -- This report provide a summary of planned food export promotional opportunities in Central Europe (Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia).

NIGERIA, November 26, 2002 -- Over the last few years, consumer demand for poultry products has risen due to expansion in fast food chains. Currently, the Agoffice estimates a supply deficit of 25,000 MT. Despite a ban, imports of frozen poultry continue albeit undocumented. Recent growth in domestic poultry production is creating export opportunities for U.S. soybeans, corn, soft wheat and poultry genetics.

INDIA, November 22, 2002 -- *Ministerial panel on WTO constituted*, *Third world awaits action on Doha mandate*, *Duties on foreign liquor may be reduced in next budget*, *India moves WTO against US subsidy to cotton*, *RKHS ties up with McDonald to launch food courts*, *Indo-US biotech pact signed*.

PHILIPPINES, November 27, 2002 -- The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) recently released the list of trigger volumes for agricultural products eligible for special safeguard (SSG) duty. Based on import data for the first six months of 2002, the DA likewise released information on products that have breached benchmark import volumes and as such may be subject to an additional SSG duty for the remaining months of this year. As yet, the DA has not invoked the SSG for products other than chicken meat and onions.

INDONESIA, November 27, 2002 -- Indonesian does not produce popcorn, all popcorn consumed in Indonesia is imported. Popcorn consumption is rising within these past few years along with Indonesian economy recovery. In 2003, total import of popcorn (bulk) is estimated to grow 10 percent, reaching 1,980 mt, valued at US$ 935,000. In the same period, microwave oven popcorn market is forecast to grow about 25 percent, reaching 80 mt, valued about US$ 240,000. Furthermore, with its undeveloped potential, Indonesian importers are expecting imports of microwave popcorn will be double over the next few years with intensive marketing/promotion.

INDIA, November 27, 2002 -- *New railcar policy hits wheat exports*, *AgMinister and ICAR want more field trials before bioengineered mustard seed approved*, *NGOs and farmer organizations argue for increased transparency in biotech approvals*, *Government says no to FDI in retail sector*, *MTR Foods eye alliance with Singapore-based company*.

SPAIN, November 27, 2002 -- About 75 percent of total food products are sold through the retail market. The food distribution sector is in the hands of fewer groups every year. The key to penetrating Spain's retail food market is to establish and maintain relationships with importers/distributors. Competition from other EU suppliers is stiff, but continuous demand for new products offers possibilities for U.S. products.

BRAZIL, November 27, 2002 -- The MY 2002/03 Brazilian coffee production is estimated at 51.6 million 60 kg-bags, 10 percent higher than previously estimated, due to higher than expected agricultural and dehusking yields and an upward revision in the coffee tree inventory. In August 2002, the GOB created the Coffee Option Contract Program for coffee, in order to regulate the domestic coffee supply. As reported by DECAF, approximately 23,200 contracts were negotiated in August and September. The dry and hot weather in Brazilian arabica producing regions and speculation about the next crop resulted in the sharp increase in coffee domestic prices. ATO/Sao Paulo estimates MY 2002/03 coffee exports at 28.58 million bags. The high availability of the product and the steady devaluation of the local currency, the Real, should contribute to the increased competitiveness of Brazilian coffee in the international market.

CANADA, November 27, 2002 -- A practical guide to help U.S. food exporters do business in the Canadian market.

CANADA, November 27, 2002 -- Canada Is the Top Market for U.S. Farm, Fish, and Forest Exports * Exporter Guide Updated * Oyster Parasite in Canada for First Time * Cod Fishery Faces Closure * Chronic Wasting Disease Hits Third Species * Federal Government Says No to Trial Open Market for CWB * Saskatchewan Farmers Head to Court * CWB Denounces Affirmative Ruling by USITC * Opposition Party Ag Critic Slams Feds on CWB Stance * CWB Won't Use Foreign Grain to Meet Export Sales Contracts * Transport Canada Postpones Decision on Government Hopper Cars * Below-Average Crop Yields and Quality for Saskatchewan in 2002 * Canadian Scientists Develop First-Ever Fusarium-Tolerant Pastry Wheat * EDC Outlook for Canadian Agri-Food and Forestry Exports * Free Trade Lumber Council Says Weyerhaeuser Proposal Would Favor U.S. Lumber Producers *

FRANCE, November 27, 2002 -- The French food processing sector is Europe's largest with estimated sales of $117.6 billion in calendar year 2001. It is a leader in the food processing technology and innovation. Increasing demand for dietetic, healthy, and organic foods has triggered a rise in demand for specialized food ingredients. The U.S.'s biggest competitors are Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Italy and the Netherlands.

THAILAND, November 27, 2002 -- Export prices declined slightly in line with Baht depreciation and inactive export demand.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 28, 2002 -- Unexpected abundant milk supplies in the EU, due to mild weather conditions, retained animals and quota increases, result in growing intervention stocks of butter and SMP.

ISRAEL, November 28, 2002 -- In MY2001 the citrus industry continued to shrink as it had throughout the last decade. The economic importance of the industry is declining steadily. Production in MY2001 totaled 524 tmt. It is becoming clear that the future size of the citrus industry will be determined by local fresh demand.

BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, November 25, 2002 -- A wild boar shot on October 28, 2002 has been found to be infected by swine fever. The Federal Agency for Food Safety has immediately taken measures in order to avoid the spread of the disease to the hog breeding sector.

ISRAEL, November 28, 2002 -- The MY2001 avocado harvest totaled 83 thousand tons of which 46 thousand tons were exported. Shipments to local market were 46 percent higher than in previous year. Total area planted to avocado is 5,000 hectares and is expected to remain at that level due to shortage of water and increasing competition in Europe.

SPAIN, November 28, 2002 -- Spanish avocado production during marketing year 2001 (Jun ‘01-Jul ‘02) increased from previous years. Marketing year 2002 harvest area and production are forecast to increase further to about 8,000 hectares, and 68,000 metric tons. Immigration from South America and Africa is contributing to increased consumpion of avocados in Spain.

ALGERIA, November 28, 2002 -- The last adjustments in the customs duties and taxes could be the key to expanding accessibility for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. suppliers can help fulfill demand for raw materials in the milling and dairy industries.

ALGERIA, November 28, 2002 -- In spite of the growth of the private dairy processing sector, Algerian imports of milk powder decreased in CY 2002 because of the high world prices in the first term of 2002, which generated a large use of stocks. Unfortunately, with U.S. prices generally higher than world prices, U.S. products were not attractive, and there were no dairy imports from the U.S. in 2002. With a new finance law in 2003, some changes may occur on custom duties and VAT.

VENEZUELA, November 28, 2002 -- Currently, the Venezuelan coffee sector is suffering the consequences of the dramatic fall in international prices. Added to that, Venezuelan coffee faces several domestic problems. One of them is the high level of stocks left over from the 2000 and 2001 coffee harvests. Another element distorting the market is coffee coming in from Colombia, which increases supply and leads to a fall in prices.

MEXICO, November 28, 2002 -- SAGARPA has revised slightly downward its corn production estimate, due to lower yields from Mexico’s 2002/03 fall/winter harvest. Also, private and official sources have revised downward the sorghum production estimate for the 2002 spring/summer harvest to 1.5 MMT (see MX 2122). This would presage well for U.S. sorghum imports, as they are not subject to a import permit requirement, unlike U.S. corn.

GUATEMALA, November 28, 2002 -- In October 25, 2002 the "Diario de Centro América" official newspaper published the elimination of the 501,820 MT quota and a 15% increase in the tariff for yellow corn.

MEXICO, November 26, 2002 -- The Hemagglutination Inhibition Test for Avian Influenza is not required for U.S. raw poultry meat for direct consumption that is destined to the Cancun area.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, November 26, 2002 -- Korea confirmed a positive case of hog cholera outbreak on October 7, 2002. Since then, it has had a total of 7 positive cases of hog cholera outbreaks. A total of 11,914 head of hogs were slaughtered and buried to contain the virus. The outbreak will delay Korea's plan to resume pork exports to Japan at least until the second half of 2003.

MALAYSIA, November 29, 2002 -- Malaysia's CPO production dropped 1.3 percent to 1.24 MMT in October, 2002. Carry-over stock level rose modestly to 1.2 MMT at the end of October. PO exports decreased to 1.0 MMT in October. The average local CPO price rose from US$366/MT in October to US$412/MT in November.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 29, 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".

EUROPEAN UNION, November 26, 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".

UNITED KINGDOM, November 29, 2002 -- This report gives details of trade shows and other marketing opportunities which may help US companies enter or increase sales within the UK market.

GERMANY, November 29, 2002 -- During the first eleven months of MY 2001/2002 (Oct/Aug) total German imports of fresh citrus fruit amounted to 985,535 MT, of which 1.8 percent or 17,894 MT originated from the United States. Grapefruit accounted for almost all of the U.S. citrus exports to Germany. Spain supplied 75 percent of all citrus imported into Germany. For MY 2002/2003 German citrus imports are expected to increase.

THAILAND, November 29, 2002 -- Despite a lack of new market demand, fragrant rice export prices declined only slightly due mainly to the government intervention program.

MEXICO, November 26, 2002 -- On November 13, 2002, Mexico published the cancellation of NOM-042-ZOO-1995, which cancels the requirement of sending bovine, equine, ovine and caprine animals to the quarantined testing facilities (URZ) for diagnostic testing to assure animal movement without risk.

TURKEY, November 29, 2002 -- Turkish soybean production doubled to reach 90,000MT in MY2002, but remains insufficient to meet domestic demand for soybeans and products. During MY2001 Turkish soybean imports increased seventy-one percent to reach 654,000MT, soy oil imports increased two hundred and forty-three percent to reach 260,000MT but soybean meal imports declined thirty-five percent to 375,000MT. The United States continues to dominate the Turkish soybean and meal import markets with eighty-five and seventy-nine percent shares respectively. Soybean and product consumption in Turkey is expected to continue to grow.

SPAIN, November 29, 2002 -- Spain's 2002 grain harvest bounced back from last year's poor crop. The unirrigated winter crop exceeded 16 million tons, up 4+ million tons from the year before. Despite this production gain, imports have been pouring in as traders rush to buy cheap feed wheat from Russia and Ukraine before the EU changes its grain import regime at the beginning of 2003. U.S. grain will not benefit from this market. High prices are restraining Spanish purchases of high protein U.S. wheat and sorghum. U.S. corn continues to be banned from the market by EU regulations on GMOs. As a consequence, total U.S. grain sales to Spain in 2002/03 will reach only about 200,00 tons, the lowest level in decades.

ARGENTINA, November 29, 2002 -- Citrus exports in CY 2003 are expected to increase to 450,000 MT due to the sector's increased competitiveness in the wake of the devaluation of the Argentine peso. However, the new economic environment created by the peso devaluation has had various effects on citrus producers. Those with export capacity, namely, big farmers, packing houses and the processing sector, whose income is "dollarized" have benefited from the devaluation. While the small and medium sized farmers who do not have access to the export market and whose income is in Argentine pesos, have been hurt. Citrus export volume will end CY 2002 with a slight increase of 9000 MT over CY 2001 to reach 420,000 MT. Nevertheless, export values in dollar terms for CY 2002 will show a 30 percent drop with respect to CY 2001, due to lower prices.

ARGENTINA, November 29, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during September 2002

ARGENTINA, November 29, 2002 -- Argentine exports of oilseed,meal and oil during September 2002.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, November 29, 2002 -- China's 2002 citrus production should fall to 10.1 MMT as tangerine groves are in a down year of the cycle. Growers are becoming more interested in growing orange varieties. Consumption of fresh and processed citrus is increasing as purchasing power rises. Lower tariffs following WTO accession have spurred greater imports of concentrated citrus juice (CCJ).

MEXICO, November 27, 2002 -- The Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food, published in the “Diario Oficial” (Federal Register) an extension of the regulation NOM-016 on Avian Influenza for six months.

AUSTRALIA, November 29, 2002 -- Australia's 2003/04 orange production is forecast at 535,000 MT, as the large 2002/03 crop is expected to lead to a smaller follow-on crop. Strong demand for Navel oranges will continue to favor this variety in new plantings. Orange exports in 2002/03 and 2003/04 are projected at 150,000 MT. The U.S. continues as the favored market for Australia's Navel exports. Orange juice imports are expected to be greater than domestic juice production in both 2002/03 and 2003/04. Brazil is Australia's dominant orange juice supplier.

JAPAN, November 29, 2002 -- From America's largest overseas market for food and agricultural exports as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: Years of weak economic activity have lead to changing consumer lifestyles and Japanese regional supermarkets are adapting; McDonald's presents a new food service outlet without hamburgers; An increase in Japan's meat import prices is attributed to the U.S. west coast dock strike; The popularity with pasta sauce continues to increase; the U.S. Meat Export Federation takes its "American Beef Town Hall Meeting" through five major cities and; an Aussie beef promotion targets kids in a photo contest.

MALAYSIA, November 29, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, November 29, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, November 29, 2002 -- No summary available.

VIETNAM, November 29, 2002 -- Although coffee prices (both domestic and export prices) have recovered slightly they remain below estimated costs-of-production. Vietnam's 2001/2002 (Oct-Sept marketing year) coffee exports decreased both in volume and export value compared with the 2000/2001 crop. Production in the 2002/2003 crop will decline further as coffee area continues to shrink and low yields are expected. Coffee trade data and revised PS&D table are provided.

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