TAIWAN, October 31, 2002 -- On October 25, Taiwan's Board of Foreign Trade temporarily ended the ban on PRC corn imports, effective immediately through December 31, 2002. Since Taiwan is both a quality and price market, the reliable delivery of good quality, subsidized PRC corn will cause grave damage to U.S. market share. PRC corn imports will be required to follow Taiwan import inspection and quarantine requirements.

PHILIPPINES, October 31, 2002 -- The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued Memorandum Order No. 10 dated October 18, 2002 imposing a temporary ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds and their products from California, USA. The order took effect October 24, 2002 and was in response to an outbreak of Newcastle disease in that area.

VIETNAM, October 31, 2002 -- Vietnam's CY-2002 rice production estimate is slightly revised upward to 31.872 million metric tons (mmt), with estimated exports at 3.1 mmt. Rice export data and a revised PS&D table are also provided. CY-2003 production is expected to be about the same (31.5-32.3 mmt) as this year.

BRAZIL, October 31, 2002 -- Post projects an increase in production of milk and milk products in 2003, higher exports of dairy products, and improved returns to producers. However, uncertainties regarding the Brazilian economy in 2003 and the current volatility of the exchange rate could adversaly affect the sector next year.

EGYPT, October 31, 2002 -- The government of Egypt allocated LE 200 million ($43 million) to pay the difference between producer prices and mill prices. Cotton imports are expected to decrease substantially during this season as a result of this new subsidy program.

ROMANIA, October 31, 2002 -- The Romanian milk and dairy products market is changing as new investors (both domestic and foreign) have begun operations. For 2003, AgBucharest estimates that milk production will increase by 3 percent, due to good prices for animal feed and government subsidies for fluid milk. Albeit low, consumption is expected to grow in tandem with consumers disposable incomes. Recently Romania and the US concluded negotiations on a new health certificate for dairy products to be exported to Romania.

ARGENTINA, October 31, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during August 2002

ARGENTINA, October 31, 2002 -- Argentine exports oilseed,meal and oil during August 2002.

COSTA RICA, October 31, 2002 -- The supermarket sector in Costa Rica is modern and competitive, with sales of $ 2.5 billions in food products. During the last few years, there has been a great introduction of products in the food sector of Costa Rica, mainly from Mexico and Chile.

THAILAND, November 1, 2002 -- This report provides information on trade shows, retail in-store promotion, hotel menu promotion, seminars and other promotion activities that FAS/ Bangkok plans to take action for the period start from November 2002 through October 2003. This report may subject to change depends on the market interests at that particular period of time.

THAILAND, November 1, 2002 -- Export prices increased slightly in response to the continued appreciation of Baht.

BURMA, November 1, 2002 -- Burma's corn production should reach 660,000 metric tons in 2002/2003, due to increases in seeded area, if normal weather returns. The GOB plans to completely switch out of local varieties of seed and into improved and hybrid varieties by 2006. An expanding livestock sector and GOB focus on boosting corn exports are the drivers of the change.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 1, 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".

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, November 1, 2002 -- This report highlights spending on domestic agricultural support in the two ‘entities' that make up Bosnia Herzegovina.

PHILIPPINES, November 4, 2002 -- Exports of copra, coconut oil and copra meal in July 2002 declined by 88, 48, and 63 percent, respectively, compared to their levels the previous year. Prices of coconut products were generally higher during the period as global supplies remained tight.

BURMA, November 4, 2002 -- Burma exported 98,095 metric tons of beans and pulses in July 2002, with India continuing as the major destination.

BURMA, November 4, 2002 -- In September Burma's beans and pulses exports rebounded to 90,634 metric tons. India took the majority, buying 76,553 metric tons.

BURMA, November 4, 2002 -- Burma's beans and pulses exports dropped 34 percent in August, to 73,235 metric tons, as domestic market prices improved and became stronger than export prices.

MEXICO, November 4, 2002 -- Harmonization Of Agricultural Subsidies*Mexico To Use NAFTA And WTO Rules To Ensure That The United States Competes Fairly In Agriculture*APEC Meetings*Mexican Armor Plating*Mexican Cantaloupes*Mexican Pork Producers*U.S. Cotton Imports*U.S. Rice*The Mexican Wine Industry At Risk*Mexico's Dairy Industry*Mexico's Tobacco Industry

AUSTRALIA, November 4, 2002 -- A widespread and prolonged drought continues to severely impact Australia's 2002/03 winter crops. Wheat and barley production in 2002/03 is projected at 12.5 MMT and 3.75 MMT, respectively, both about one-half the level of last year's near-record harvests. ABARE released revised winter crop estimates on October 29, which show even greater declines in the 2002/03 wheat and barley crops. Reduced grain availabilities and strong demand for feed grains will sharply reduce the quantity of wheat and barley available for export.

INDONESIA, November 5, 2002 -- Indonesia palm oil production is forecast to increase to 9.1 million tons in MY01/02 and 9.5 in MY02/03. Exports are expected to reach 5.8 million tons in MY01/02 (increased by 32 percent during October 01 - May 02) and exceed 6 million tons in MY02/03. Average domestic prices have been on the upswing driven by international oil prices and the appreciation of Rupiah against the US dollar. Export tariffs and base prices for CPO and derivative products remains unchanged.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, November 5, 2002 -- The Shenzhen Futian Agricultural Products Wholesale Market is the first auction center for fruit and vegetable trading in China. Besides spot auction, the Market plans to utilize on line trading in the near future. If US exporters want to export their fruits to China but worry about defaults, the Shenzhen Market might minimize their risk.

FRANCE, November 5, 2002 -- This report highlights promotion activities in France for the period October 1, 2002 through September 30, 2003, including trade shows.

CANADA, November 5, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * New U.S. Organic Regulations Pose Challenges for Canada * CWB Complying with International Trade Rules * CWB Trade Challenge Will Cost Prairie Farmers Millions * CWB Cautiously Back in Export Market * Talks Fail in Vancouver Grain Dispute * Grain Commission Puts Controls on Non-US Foreign Grain * Drought Cuts Canadian Seed Supplies * Snow Halts Saskatchewan Harvest in Many Areas * GM Canola Accounts for 63% of Acreage in 2002, Says Council * U.S. and Canada Cooperate on Ash Tree Pest * Canadian Food & Beverage Show * B.C. Opens Door for More Washington State Wine Imports

GUATEMALA, November 5, 2002 -- The retail sector has grown tremendously in the last few years, going from 66 units in 1994 to over 140 in 2001. There are ample opportunities for US firms looking to sell to supermarkets. Best prospects are meats, snack foods, poultry and processed fruits and vegetables, among others.

INDIA, November 5, 2002 -- Despite a lower production, government rice procurement is marginally up. Rice and wheat stocks are down due to increased allocations for exports but still quite comfortable.

JAPAN, November 1, 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: Inexpensive Japanese‘100-yen' shops compete for traditional customers of convenience stores; Saizeriya joins a growing trend in the food service industry to cut costs by test marketing product in its restaurants from its new Australian processing plant; early indications on market performance for Kao Corporation's new healthy brand of mayonnaise; Japanese food manufacturers continue to invest in product trace-back systems in order to regain consumer confidence and; ATO Insights on the Japan coffee market.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, November 1, 2002 -- China, as the world's most populous country, has quickly become an important market for many U.S. businesses. USDA/FAS representatives in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou warmly welcome U.S. agricultural exporters to China and have prepared this introduction to give business travelers the knowledge and confidence to explore China as a market for U.S. products.

NEW ZEALAND, November 5, 2002 -- New Zealand's retail food sector offers U.S. exporters marketing opportunities for a broad spectrum of consumer-ready products. The United States is New Zealand's second largest supplier of processed foods. High-value food imports in 2001 increased nearly 30 percent to US$0.9 billion. The U.S. enjoys a 12 percent share of New Zealand's consumer food imports.

TAIWAN, November 6, 2002 -- U.S. rice is expected to account for more than 60 percent of imports under Taiwan's WTO Minimum Market Access quota. Favorable weather has boosted forecast 2002 rice production to 1.28 million tons, a 2.4 percent increase from 2001. Despite increased production and imports, paddy prices remain near historical averages.

MALAYSIA, November 6, 2002 -- Malaysia's CPO production rose 11 percent to 1.2 MMT in September, 2002. Carry-over stock level rose to 1.1 MMT at the end of September. The average local CPO price dropped moderately from US$369/MT in September to US$366/MT in October.

TURKEY, November 6, 2002 -- Cold weather in January and rains in September and October reduced lemon, tangerine, and grapefruit production in MY 2002. MY 2002 Orange production is estimated to be at the revised MY 2001 level. EU and FSU countries continue to be Turkey's main export destinations. Turkey continues to support citrus and juice exports albeit at lower levels. Import duties are 55.2 percent for fresh citrus and 61.8 for orange juice from all origins in 2002.

NETHERLANDS, November 6, 2002 -- A high production of NFDM and low cheese and butter production is expected to elevate production and export of butter oil.

INDIA, November 6, 2002 -- Higher MY 2001 oilseeds production led to higher meal exports (27.9 percent) and lower edible oil imports (14.9 percent).

INDIA, November 6, 2002 -- No summary available.

TURKEY, November 6, 2002 -- Turkey's cotton imports reached a record level of 624,340MT during MY2001. Low U.S. cotton prices, and increased domestic utilization and textile exports were the reasons for the growth in imports. The U.S. continues to be the leading supplier, exporting 327,258MT of cotton to Turkey.

EL SALVADOR, November 6, 2002 -- In the past couple of months Central America has advanced more in their integration efforts than they had for the past decade. All the countries in the region have signed an Action Plan to harmonize customs, duties, and trade laws in preparations for a Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). U.S. and Central American exporters should benefit by having an integrated 30 million consumer market for their products.

CZECH REPUBLIC, November 6, 2002 -- On Wednesday (10/30) 3,000 farmers demonstrated in Prague against the proposed phase-in of agricultural payments after the Czech Republic's EU accession. Their biggest concern is the level of direct subsidies, which, under the EU's proposal, will only be 25% of what is now paid to farmers in the EU. The second issue of concern is production quotas. It could well be that Czech farmers will receive much lower levels of government support than neighboring German or Austrian farmers after EU-enlargement.

ARGENTINA, November 6, 2002 -- Argentine dairy exports for 2003 are projected to drop 16 percent as result of a significant fall in production. The main export product by far will still be dry whole milk, which is expected to go primarily to Brazil. The devaluation in early 2002 has improved Argentina's competitiveness in the world market. However, it has hurt dairy production considerably as returns for crop production are much higher and have made most dairymen to either feed cows less silage and grains or directly to move part or all the land into crops. Dairy imports are also expected to suffer the consequences of the devaluation as prices of imported products have become too expensive for a population which has lost significant purchasing power.

ARGENTINA, November 6, 2002 -- Post estimates 2002/03 corn production at 13.5 million tons and area at 2.35 million hectares, an increase of 1.1 million tons and 100,000 hectares from the USDA October estimate. The increased estimate is the result of continued expectations of high returns for corn plantings in the upcoming marketing year, along with adequate capital to purchase inputs during the planting and growing season.

ARGENTINA, November 6, 2002 -- Post estimates 2002/03 soybean production at 32.5 million tons and area harvested at 12.3 million hectares, an increase of 1.5 million tons and 300,000 hectares from the USDA October estimate. As a result of the record production estimate, exports of soybeans and products are also forecast to reach record levels. The increased estimates are the result of continued expectations of profitability in agricultural production along with adequate capital to purchase inputs.

BRAZIL, November 7, 2002 -- Post lowered the 2002 wheat production forecast to 3.1 million tons due to weather-related losses. As a result of the lower production, the import forecast was raised slightly. However, high wheat prices will dampen consumption. Post forecasts rice production in 2002/03 to remain at the same levels as the previous year.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, November 7, 2002 -- Post increases its total Russian grain production estimate for MY 2002 to 85 million metric tons (mmt), the majority of which will be wheat. Due to an extremely active first quarter of the marketing year, wheat and barley exports are forecast at historic highs despite few improvement in domestic infrastructure, potential restrictive trade measures of the EU, and shipping bottlenecks. State procurement of grain will be conducted again this year, but is expected to have little impact on prices.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 7, 2002 -- Refund rates were set for the period November 2002 - January 2003. Rates increased for tomatoes, oranges, lemons and table grapes but decreased for apples.

ISRAEL, November 7, 2002 -- The Biotechnology Committee of the Food Control Services of Israel's Ministry of Health has released for public comments a proposal for regulations regarding the labeling of genetically modified corn and soy beans and their products. In their present form the regulations are opposed by some government ministries and by the food processing industry. In general, the regulations follow the European model but do not require the labeling of processed products if they do not contain genetically modified DNA or protein above one percent.

AUSTRALIA, November 7, 2002 -- Australia has concluded free trade agreement negotiations with Singapore. The agreement will likely have only a limited impact on bilateral agricultural trade. The agreement indicates the Australian government's interest in pursuing bilateral free trade agreements.

VENEZUELA, November 7, 2002 -- Venezuela remains a milk deficit country, and production of powdered milk has fallen due to poor prices and weak demand. Powdered milk imports were high in 2001 due to the over-valued Bolivar, but have declined in 2002 following the devaluation. In addition, the Venezuelan Government has been restricting the issuance of import licenses in an attempt to support local production. Per capita milk consumption, after increasing in 2001, has resumed it's decade-long decline.

SPAIN, November 6, 2002 -- The total Spanish 2002/03 citrus crop is expected to reach 5.8 million tons, about the same as last year. Increases in clementines (in both traditional and non-traditional areas) and record output for mandarins will be offset by drops in lemon and orange production. Good rains during the summer improved the size and quality of the crop in most of production areas. The harvest started later than usual due to cooler temperatures during the summer

SPAIN, November 8, 2002 -- Although there has been a deceleration in the Spanish economy, 2001 GDP growth was still 2.5 percent and 2002 GDP growth is estimated at 2.0 - 2.2 percent. GDP in 2003 is expected to grow by three percent, which, together with a lower inflation rate of three percent (3.5 percent in 2002) and a further increase in the number of tourists, will lead to a higher consumption and a continuous demand of new products.

THAILAND, November 8, 2002 -- Export prices remained unchanged as strong Baht dampens export demand and the supply of new crop is limited by flood-delayed harvesting.

EUROPEAN UNION, November 8, 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".

CANADA, November 8, 2002 -- Driven by export sales, Canadian production of frozen french fries is forecast to continue expansion through MY2002/04. Reliance by Canadian potato processors on the U.S. market deepened during MY2001/02 as exports of frozen french fries soared by 16% over the year earlier level to 653,438 metric tons worth $413 million. Canada failed to increase frozen french fry exports to the rest of the world during the same period.