FAS Weekly Attache Report Digest
October 26, 2002

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

SAUDI ARABIA, October 18, 2002 -- All food products are imported by the private sector. The vast majority of food products are subject to a 5 percent import duty. Selected products produced locally in significant quantity carry a 20 percent import duty. Rice, coffee, tea and red meat enter the country duty free. The Saudi market for imported consumer food and edible fishery products increased by seven percent from 1999 to 2000, reaching 2.6 billion U.S. dollars in CY 2000 (total Saudi food and agricultural imports totaled about $5.5 billion in 2000). U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Saudi Arabia declined from $125.6 million in CY 1999 to $117.6 million in CY 2000 and to $113.5 in CY 2001.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China 2003 TRQ Implementation Measures for Major Agricultural Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure their interpretation of the regulation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of MOA Circular 190 and the Interim Measures for Imported Ag GMO Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their applications with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China MOA Circular 222 and Interim Measures for Ag. GMO Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulation is accurate.

SINGAPORE, October 18, 2002 -- The Singapore team members were able to experience first hand the harvesting of figs, raisins and pistachios. The Singapore team had a better understanding of the grading processes of various dried fruit and nuts.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- China's food service sector has grown remarkably over the last six years. Rising incomes and changing living patterns have encouraged more people to eat out. Food service in developing coastal cities is beginning to follow the pattern set by Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore, as more Chinese develop a taste for Western food. However, while the market is large, the percentage that can afford imports remains small. While t is complicated and sometimes frustrating to work in the extremely competitive Chinese market, excellent opportunities exist for U.S. exporters.

NETHERLANDS, October 18, 2002 -- This report provides a list of trade show of interest to U.S. exporters.

CHILE, October 18, 2002 -- While Chile's raisin production and exports are expected to remain at similar levels to last year, prunes will expand due to excellent weather and an increase in planted area.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This report provides an update on South China current urban market situation, hot prospects for US exporters, plans for Chinese trade teams visiting the United States, select trade shows in South China, and plans for supermarket and restaurant promotions.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- U.S. rye seed exports to Korea are expected to continue to strengthen through 2005 because of a government's plan to encourage farmers to switch from rice to forage production. Korea joined the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants in 2002 and has adjusted its laws to comply with IPR requirements for planting seed. Korea's program of biotechnology research has produced products which are nearing the commercialization stage.

ARGENTINA, October 18, 2002 -- Agriculture has emerged as a bright spot in an otherwise still depressed Argentine economy. Profitability for soybeans has increased 52%, and for corn 185%, in dollar terms. This increase is due primarily to the 70% currency devaluation, and to a lesser extent the recent increase in commodity prices. However, continued economic and political uncertainty combined with a shortage of available land will limit short term expansion in grain and oilseed area and production.

AUSTRALIA, October 21, 2002 -- Australia's 2002/03 sugar production is projected at 5027 TMT, nine percent higher than last year but below the record 5600 TMT produced in 1997/98. The GOA has offered a sugar industry assistance package totaling A$150 million over the medium term, with around A$100 million to be raised by a levy on domestic sugar sales. Final details on how the levy will be structured are currently being finalized.

EUROPEAN UNION, October 21, 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, October 21, 2002 -- This report is intended to give U.S. exporters an overview of proposals and issues under discussion that will impact on existing EU food import rules.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, October 21, 2002 -- The sustained economic growth of the Dominican Republic has brought about a substantial growth in food demand in recent years, resulting in greater opportunities for US suppliers. Imports from the United States represented 50% to 56% of food imports. This report provides information on trade shows and other events where exporters can showcase their products.

MEXICO, October 21, 2002 -- Strawberry plantings for MY 2002/03 are forecast to increase marginally compared to MY 2001/02 area planted. Consequently, exports of both fresh and frozen strawberries are not expected to increase much from the previous year.

MEXICO, October 21, 2002 -- Mexico's fluid milk production continues to increase, which is expected to temper import demand for milk powder. CY2003 NFDM imports are forecast unchanged.

MEXICO, October 21, 2002 -- U.S. Wheat Shipment May Have Fungus*Usabiaga States That Agricultural Armor Measures Will Be Announced Soon*Mexican Agricultural Costs Of Production Higher Than U.S. *Fox Vows To Cut Power Costs

THAILAND, October 22, 2002 -- Despite further Baht depreciation, export prices are exceptionally high in response to the 2002/03 government intervention program.

GREECE, October 22, 2002 -- Spreads between producer prices and wholesale/retail levels in Athens have sparked consumer groups to boycott fresh fruit and vegetable markets in October. The inflationary nature of this price gouging has the attention of the Ministries of Development and Agriculture. The Ministry of Commerce is authorized to enforce complicance within maximum price spreads, but no arrests or fines are reported. The Ministry of Agriculture proposed that Greek farmers show invoices to account for producer prices, but farmers have refused to take on any new tasks of accounting.

TAIWAN, October 22, 2002 -- On October 15, in reaction to the outbreak of Newcastle Disease in game bird flocks in the Los Angeles area, Taiwan banned the import of most poultry and poultry products, including dry pet food, from California. The ban has an effective date of October 3, 2002. Products originating in California, produced or loaded for shipment on or after October 3 are banned entry into Taiwan. The ban also affects poultry and poultry products, including pet food transiting California. However, transit may be undertaken in sealed containers.

SAUDI ARABIA, October 22, 2002 -- xxx

JAPAN, October 17, 2002 -- Japanese table grape production is expected to increase 4 percent in 2002 to 235,200 metric tons. Japanese traders remarked that California Red Globes had excellent taste, appearance and fruit arrival condition, and have good marketing potential. An oversupply of domestic apples led to a difficult market in 2001, with the Japanese apple crop expected to decline 2 percent in 2002, to 911,900 metric tons, market prices are already higher than last year.

NETHERLANDS, October 22, 2002 -- This report provides information to U.S. companies interested in doing business in the Netherlands. It focuses on exports of consumer-oriented foods and beverages, edible fishery products, and food ingredients.

HONDURAS, October 22, 2002 -- The Honduras retail sector is by far the largest market for imported food, due to the expansion of supermarkets in urban areas and opportunities even through distant shopping mechanisms. The HRI sector is developing rapidly and has a tremendous potential for processed products. Tourism is growing at a fast pace: in a span of two years, visitors have increased by 57%, food and drink establishments by 61%, hotels by 30% and cruise ship visitors by 168%. Important investments for the HRI sector in the Bay Islands and North Coast of Honduras are taking place.

INDIA, October 23, 2002 -- US proposals to WTO just posturing: Expert*, *Distorted subsidies led to cartel*, *Strict control on food imports likely*, *Starbucks looks for Indian entry*, *Chocolate prices to rise as cocoa nears 20 year high*, *Corporate India vouches for GM crops*.

INDIA, October 23, 2002 -- India's 2003 milk production is forecast to increase by 5 percent, estimated at 85 million tons, decreasing its external dependence on imports for NFDM and butter oil which are estimated to decline to infinitesimal quantities. However, increased production is expected to lead to a 67 percent and 50 percent increase in exports of butter oil and NFDM.

AUSTRIA, October 23, 2002 -- Austria and Central Europe provide great sales opportunities for many U.S. food and agricultural products. Four of these countries will soon join the European Union resulting in more disposable income and greater possibilities for increased demand for U.S. products. If you already export to the European Union, or would like to do so, a review of export opportunities in these expanding markets could easily provide you increased sales.

ESTONIA, October 18, 2002 -- The inflow and fast development of large Nordic/European retail chains into Estonia along with other Baltic countries offer new opportunities for American exporters who can successfully connect with them. With consumer purchasing power on the rise and growing tourism, prospects for increased demand for high-value food imports are viewed as favorable. Estonia hopes to finalize EU accession negotiations by the end of this year and join the union in 2004. New market entrants will have to be aggressive to compete with the more established European suppliers, as their commercial relationships have been built up and maintained over the past decade. Major current constraints to exports of U.S. products include the unfamiliarity of consumers with U.S. grocery products and tariff disadvantages vis-a-vis European suppliers and Estonia's partners of Free Trade Agreements.

SINGAPORE, October 23, 2002 -- Singapore's economy experienced a negative growth rate of 2% in 2001. However, in the final quarter, the downtrend was reversed and the overall economy showed a 5.6% rise over the last quarter of the previous year. While all major sectors experienced negative growth rates in 2001, there was considerable optimism that the economy has turned round the corner. Improved external trade, increased manufacturing turnover and higher consumer spending were evident signs of a turnaround in the eocnomy.

JAPAN, October 23, 2002 -- From America's largest food and agricultural export market as translated from Japan's mass media and food press. This issue includes: Starbucks Coffee Japan's new contract with Andersen's is an effort to offer meals more palatable to Japanese consumers; Nichimen Corporation makes plans to intensify competition in Japan's fast food gyudon beef bowl market; Itochu Corporation is investing in food ingredients distribution for gyudon fastfood chains in the U.S.; Kirin Beverage announced plans that will make it the second largest provider of mineral water in Japan and; Japan food manufacturers and supermarkets increase their efforts to regain the confidence of the Japanese consumer.

MALAYSIA, October 23, 2002 -- The Malaysian economy is expected to register a growth rate of 6% -6.5% in 2003 from an estimated 4% -5% in 2002. The purchasing power is expected to be higher with per capita income projected to increase by 5.5% to $3,710 in 2003 compared with $3526 in 2002. Tarriffs are low for most imported products, ranging from 0-20%. New retail outlets, which are good venues for imported products, are continuing to open, providing better access to consumers.

TAIWAN, October 23, 2002 -- Taiwan is the sixth largest export market for U.S. food and agricultural products in the world. In 2001, the United States exported $2.1 billion of agricultural products to Taiwan, capturing 35 percent of total imports. In terms of per capita food imports from the United States, Taiwan ranks number two in the world after Canada. With Taiwan's accession to the World Trade Organization in January 2002, U.S. exporters now enjoy increased access to this dynamic market.

CHILE, October 23, 2002 -- Chile's dairy industry will expand again as weather has been favorable for forage production and farmers increased productivity in a response to falling prices.

CANADA, October 22, 2002 -- What's New EH?...VANCLIEF CONTINUES TRADE MISSION IN MEXICO AND CHILE; **VANCLIEF SAYS U.S. FARM SUBSIDIES DAMPEN WTO TALKS AND NEW U.S. FOOD LABELING GUIDELINES COULD HURT TRADE; **GRAIN COMMISSION CHANGES FOREIGN GRAIN HANDLING REQUIREMENTS; ** FUNDING TO HELP STRENGTHEN B.C. FORESTRY MARKETS; **ETHANOL PLANTS TO BE BUILT IN SASKATCHEWAN; **SASKATCHEWAN HARVEST PROGRESSING SLOWLY; **CANADIAN'S EATING MORE VEGETABLES, OILS AND FATS AND FISH

EGYPT, October 25, 2002 -- Total Egyptian fluid milk production in 2001 increased by about 19 percent over the 2000 level due to expansion in the dairy sector. NFDM imports decreased in 2001 but are expected to rebound as safeguard duties diminish.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 25, 2002 -- Income disparity between Chinese urban and rural residents hinders market development

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 21, 2002 -- Growing domestic demand, lower tariffs and low world prices will push beef imports up sharply in 2002 and 2003. Swine industry growth will slow over the next year as production has outstripped demand, but some relief will come from good export growth to the newly opened Russian market.

NIGERIA, October 24, 2002 -- Sales of U.S. processed foods to retailers and direct consumers at Post-organized promotions from November 2001 to October 2002 were nearly $1.5 million. FAS Lagos ‘Foreign Buyers List' was increased by 25 percent, greater buyer contacts were established for U.S. suppliers and higher awareness was gained for U.S. foods through these events. Post will assist exporters seeking to initiate or expand sales to the Nigerian market in arranging the exhibition of sample products and sales catalogs during Post-programmed promotions detailed in this report.

MALAYSIA, October 24, 2002 -- Malaysia relies heavily on dairy imports for its dairy products industry. New Zealand and Australia are the major suppliers in Malaysia. Limited opportunities exit for US to supply full cream milk powder, skim powder and whey powder.

TAIWAN, October 24, 2002 -- Taiwan dairy production is expected to hover close to 350k mt until the market for fluid milk liberalizes in January 2005. While foreign suppliers will be limited by TRQs to less than 10% of fluid milk demand until that time, they already dominate all other dairy product categories. Dairy is now a fixed component of the Taiwan diet, with most product types having favorable long-term growth prospects. Increasing consumer taste and quality expectations make demand growth prospects best in the mid- to better product quality range.

SPAIN, October 24, 2002 -- MY 2002 Spanish strawberry production decreased substantially from MY 2001 due to a decrease in planted area. MY 2002 fresh strawberry imports increased to offset some of this decrease in production while exports and domestic consumption decreased. MY 2003 production is forecast to increase.

PORTUGAL, October 21, 2002 -- Total 2003 Portuguese fish landings are forecasted at 130,000 mt, restricted by Total Allowed Catch levels (TACs) set by the EU. Total 2003 seafood product imports are forecasted to remain at 424,600 mt, limited by decreasing seafood consumption. Severely affected by the improved price-competitiveness of Russian cod and Spanish squid, U.S. total seafood sales are expected to suffer a sharp reduction in 2002, to about a four percent share of total imports (six percent in 2001). U.S. sales should rebound in the future given improved export prices. 1 USD = 1.01 Euros.

PHILIPPINES, October 24, 2002 -- Total dairy imports are expected to remain flat through 2003 despite modest economic gains achieved by the country. The volume of dairy imports declined by nine percent in 2001 while the value of dairy imports increased slightly due to the rising cost of milk in the world market. Imports are not expected to increase until after 2004 when tariff rates are scheduled to decrease. Philippine exports of all finished dairy products surged by over 110 percent in 2001

INDONESIA, October 21, 2002 -- Indonesia's total rice imports remain steady with an estimate of 3 MMT for MY2002 and MY2003. Indonesia's domestic milled rice production is forecast to inch up to 32,548,000 MT for MY2003, compared to 32,422,000 MT for MY2002. The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed to increase import tariffs on rice to Rp. 735/kilogram, equivalent to 51 percent from Rp. 430/kilogram or 30 percent, as a means of slowing down imports and encouraging increases in domestic production.

POLAND, October 24, 2002 -- Polish strawberry production declined 33 percent in 2002 due to lower area and unfavorable weather. Frozen strawberry exports declined 28 percent to 90,000 MT in 2002 while fresh 2002 exports are estimated at 15,300 MT compared to 20,000 MT in 2001. Since new plantings are not expected to result in commercial production for 2-3 years, production in 2003 is projected to remain at roughly the same level as in 2002. Minimal impact on the strawberry sector is expected following Poland's likely 2004 EU accession.

POLAND, October 24, 2002 -- Fluid milk, cheese and WDM production is expected to grow in 2002 as a result of higher output of raw milk, export demand for WDM and cheese and zero tariff for Polish dairy products exported to the EU. Exports of NFDM and butter are expected to decrease due to lower world prices. As a result of EU membership expected in 2004, Poland will introduce a milk production quota system.

NEW ZEALAND, October 24, 2002 -- Total apple production in the 2001-02 season (October - September) increased 15 percent and apple exports will rise to 325,000 MT, up 29 percent over a year earlier. Pear production increased only moderately, but seasonal export movement will total 10,500 MT, up 133 percent. Significant increases in apple and pear export shipments are responding to high export grade packouts and a reduced apple processing volume.

NEW ZEALAND, October 22, 2002 -- Government commits more resources to support efforts to gain a free trade agreement with the U.S. Horticulture: New Zealand market reopens to U.S. grape imports. Livestock: New Zealand venison industry continues to expand. Fisheries: Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission considers alternative proposal for the allocation of US$ 329 million of Maori fisheries assets.

NEW ZEALAND, October 24, 2002 -- The NZ Ministry for the Environment has released a discussion document seeking public response to issues relating to the release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). A prominent pro-GM organization has expressed concern that the document raises issues which anti-GM groups will use to achieve regulations that will stifle the development of a NZ biotechnology industry.

NEW ZEALAND, October 24, 2002 -- Increases in roundwood harvest volumes anticipated over the next decade offer significant wood processing investment opportunities in New Zealand. Softwood log production and exports in 2003 are forecast to increase 6 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Softwood lumber production and exports are forecast to increase 4 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

THAILAND, October 24, 2002 -- The leading Asian rice exporting nations came together in Bangkok, Thailand last week, at the invitation of the Thai Prime Minister, to initiate cooperation among themselves to stabilize world rice export prices. Thailand, India, Vietnam, China, and Pakistan together have formed the Council on Rice Trade Cooperation for the goal of stabilizing world rice prices. Thailand's P.M. earlier said that the group would seek to get prices back to 1997 levels, some 30 percent higher than current prices. Rice exports from these five countries account for about 71 percent of the 24.5 MMT world market in CY 2001.

THAILAND, October 24, 2002 -- The report contains the situation and outlook of fluid milk, nonfat dry milk, and whole milk powder, in 2002 and 2003.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 24, 2002 -- The Fourth International Fruit and Vegetable Exposition in Yantai, China foreshadows the challenges US fresh fruit exporters will face in China.

INDONESIA, October 24, 2002 -- In CY02, the demand for dairy products in Indonesia have grown by 10 percent to 195,000 mt, compared to 178,000 mt in CY01. Domestic production covers only 30 percent of Indonesia's total dairy consumption requirements opening a market opportunity for imports of NFDM and FFDM. In CY03, Indonesia is expected to import 125,000 mt of NFDM and 40,000 mt of FFDM to meet consumption needs. To take advantage of this growth in import demand, U.S. suppliers will have to compete with traditional suppliers like New Zealand and Australia.

NEW ZEALAND, October 25, 2002 -- New Zealand's dairy industry is being challenged this season to optimize its product-mix to maximize industry returns in a low-priced international dairy marketing environment. Total production of powdered milk, butter, and cheese this season is forecast to increase 160,000 tons over last year. Export volumes for powdered milk and butter will be up this year, while cheese shipments will decline in response to heavy global supplies and weak prices.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 25, 2002 -- In 2003, it is expected that dairy imports will rise despite surplus fluid milk production as imports of both cheese and NFDM. Imports of cheese, which dipped temporarily in 2002 are expected to return to 2001 levels. Meanwhile, imports of whey powder are expected to increase by 10-15 percent.

AUSTRALIA, October 25, 2002 -- Agriculture Minister Truss has announced a new allocation scheme for Australia's beef exports to the United States for 2003 and 2004.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 25, 2002 -- As the world's most populous country, China is fast emerging as a superlatively important market for many US businesses. Understanding and practicing Chinese etiquette is one of the keys to a successful business experience in China. Generational change and increasing exposure to global media are gradually transforming Chinese culture, however the Agricultural Trade Office has identified a few basic observations and suggestions for visiting American business people.

THAILAND, October 25, 2002 -- Modest increase in canned sweet corn and canned baby corn limits the export growth in MY 2002. Canned baby corn, moreover, is challenged by strong competition.

THAILAND, October 25, 2002 -- Export prices declined slightly due mainly to inactive demand and reduced concerns over the flood-damaged paddy crop, coupled with more coming out of new paddy crop.

EUROPEAN UNION, October 25, 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, October 25, 2002 -- The Canadian dairy industry is developing a philosophy of pricing milk off the retail value rather than just cost of production. Dairy farmers could get nearly a five percent raise on their fluid milk price under a proposal now being discussed by Eastern Canada's dairy pool. While the new pooling proposal is still being negotiated by the P6 pool members (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, P.E.I., New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), if approved as it currently stands, Ontario's dairy farmers could see an increase of C$2.75 per hectoliter on fluid milk, effective February 1, 2003.

UNITED KINGDOM, October 25, 2002 -- Provisional UK June census data and cereal production estimates have now been released by the UK Government, putting the 2002 UK wheat harvest at 15.8 MMT and that for barley at 6 MMT, both below previous trade estimates. Autumn sowings for the 2003 harvest indicate a little changed wheat area and a decline in the barley area. That said, there is still scope for spring plantings to change the trends.

CANADA, October 25, 2002 -- Total fluid milk production for calendar year is expected to be about 8.13 million metric tonnes (MMT), up slightly from calendar year 2001 production of 8.10 MMT. For 2003, post forecasts that fluid milk production will increase slightly over 2002 levels. Total cheese production for 2002 decreased by about two percent to 315,000 metric tonnes (MT). Total cheese production for 2003 is forecast to drop to 310,000 MT. Butter production for 2002 is expected to reach 90,000 MT. For 2003, butter production is forecast to decrease. Nonfat dry milk production for 2002 is expected to 100,000 MT.

ARGENTINA, October 25, 2002 -- After a decade of economic stability and growth, Argentina devalued its currency in January 2002. As a result, imports have been reduced dramatically. Imports of high-value food products in 2002 are expected at $350 million, a drop of 65 percent from last year. However, post foresees increased opportunities in the food ingredient sector as most local companies have become very competitive in world markets and are focusing on expanding exports.

MEXICO, October 25, 2002 -- In October 15, 2000, Mexico's Secretariat of Health published a new official rule to control aflatoxins in cereals for human and animal consumption. The cereals include rice, oats, barley, rye, corn, sorghum, titricale and wheat. This new rule will be effective 90 days after publication ( i.e., January 13, 2003). It is unlikely that this new rule will impact U.S. cereal exports.

MEXICO, October 25, 2002 -- The SAGARPA Animal Health Office in Mexico has clarified the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests needed to import live birds and eggs into Mexico, and to import raw poultry meat for direct human consumption beyond the border region.

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