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CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, July 5, 2002 -- Recent heavy rains should not cause great harm to rice production, while they are actually helping corn. Despite WTO entry, imports of grain are not expected to increase much in MY 2001 or MY2002 as domestic grain stocks built up in the late 1990's remain large. Although China says it no longer subsidizes exports, corn exports at prices greatly below domestic prices are set to continue at least through the end of calendar year 2002.

CZECH REPUBLIC, July 4, 2002 -- The consumption of spirits is stagnating and is set to decline in the Czech Republic. One reason for this is that more people are switching to wine. Strict drunk driving laws may also play a role in declining alcohol consumption. Nevertheless, increasing incomes and changing tastes should result in solid demand for higher quality spirits and U.S. bourbon imports are rising. The U.S. share of total spirits imports was almost 13% last year.

FINLAND, July 4, 2002 -- The main market for the Finnish sawmill industry is Europe, which in 2001 accounted for 66 percent of exports. However, Finland sees the largest potential for growth to be in the Asian markets, where consumption of forest products is relatively low, but rising faster than in other markets. In 2001, exports to the European market decreased by 4 percent. Finnish exports to Japan increased by 9 percent to 808,000 cum and to the U.S. by 28 percent to 86,000 cum.

SWEDEN, July 4, 2002 -- Sweden sees the largest potential for export growth to be in the Asian markets, where consumption of forest products is relatively low, but rising faster than in other markets. In 2001, exports to non-European markets continued to increase and accounted for 21 percent of total sawn timber exports. Swedish exports to Japan increased by 1 percent to 659,000 cum and to the U.S. by 76 percent to 308,000 cum.

VIETNAM, July 4, 2002 -- Due to lower- than-expected export supplies, Vietnam's 2002 rice exports will be much lower, perhaps by 20-25%, than the Government's (already revised down) target of 3.5 million metric tons. Rice exporters, loading for Government to Government (G to G) contracts, have complained about their big losses caused by high local paddy and transportation costs. Post re-estimates Vietnam's 2002 rice exports down to 2.8 million metric tons. Vietnam's total 2002 rice growing area and production are also revised due to changes in 2002's Winter-Spring (W-S) and Summer-Autumn (S-A) crops. Trade data for the first 5 months of 2002 are also provided.

BRAZIL, July 4, 2002 -- Brazilian MY 2002 unmanufactured tobacco production is estimated at 674,500 mt, a sharp increase compared to the previous season, due to increased area planted and good yields. Prices for the 2002 crop were adjusted upward 12 percent from 2001. Total MY 2001 exports for were 435,500 mt, up 94,000 mt from MY 2000. Competitive price, high-quality product in Brazil and political problems in Zimbabwe contributed to increase exports. According to the industry, approximately 34 percent of the Brazilian cigarette market is impacted by unfair competition, mainly contraband product.

EUROPEAN UNION, July 4, 2002 -- The year 2002 is a year of turmoil for the EU dairy sector: higher production of SMP and butter is sold directly into intervention and exports are lagging. Next year should see an improvement of export prospects, due to improved demand and changes in export patterns for some products.

THAILAND, July 5, 2002 -- Weekly rice price and trade update.

CZECH REPUBLIC, July 5, 2002 -- The Czech Republic does not produce any rice and the main supplying countries are Viet Nam, Italy and Thailand. Total annual rice consumption is between 50,000 and 60,000 metric tons (MT). According to official statistics, the U.S. share of rice imports last year was only 2.1 percent but unreported transhipments from European brokers likely means that the U.S. share is closer to 10 percent. Rice is a well established food in the Czech Republic and consumption is stable at about 4.5 kilograms per capita. The most popular variety is non parboiled long grain rice. U.S. export opportunities should for rice should grow after the Czech Republic joins the EU, perhaps as early as 2004.

AUSTRALIA, July 5, 2002 -- The Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics has forecast that winter crop production for 2002/03 will fall by 5.3 MMT, or around 14 percent.

DENMARK, July 5, 2002 -- Danish grass seed production remains at a record high 85,000 tons, of which 90 percent is exported. Major grass seeds produced are perennial rye grasses, which account for 36 percent of production and 45 percent of total exports.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, July 5, 2002 -- South Africa's 2001 corn crop, currently being harvested, is estimated at close to 9 million tons, compared to the 7.5 million ton 2000 crop. With commercial consumption estimated at about 8 million tons, a considerable surplus is available for export to the drought stricken region. Imports of close to 600,000 tons are also foreseen which should allow total exports to reach 1.2 million tons in MY02/03 compared to 1.28 million in MY 01/02. Actual commercial sales into the region will be affected by the limited foreign exchange available to the drought stricken countries. Donated grain is expected to form the bulk of the assistance rendered.

EUROPEAN UNION, July 5, 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".

PERU, July 5, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, July 8, 2002 -- Malaysia's CPO production rose 7 percent to 925 TMT in May, 2002. A sharp rebound in PO exports contributed to a decline in carry-over stocks at the end os May. The average local CPO price rose from US$332/MT in May to US$375/MT in June.

PAKISTAN, July 8, 2002 -- No summary available.

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, July 8, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, July 8, 2002 -- 2001 was a disappointing year for the Malaysian timber industry. Production of all the four major timber products (logs, lumber, plywood, venner) recorded negetive growth. Export earnings from logs and lumber suffered declines. Even the furniture sector took a beating. Imports of US temperate hardwood dropped 3 % while imports of US softwood plummeted by 75%.

JAPAN, July 8, 2002 -- No summary available.

JAPAN, July 8, 2002 -- According to a survey of the housing industry, Japanese housing starts this year will drop another 5% from last year to 1,111,000 units. Uncertainty about short-term business performance and consumer concerns about job security remain the constraints to new house investment.

FRANCE, July 8, 2002 -- France has two markets for surimi: one for surimi base (raw material), and one for prepared surimi products. From 1994 to 2001, French surimi consumption has tripled from 10,200 MT to 32,500 MT. Although domestic production has increased significantly in the past few years, it has always been lower than consumption, resulting in strong import demand. In 2001, French surimi imports were 17,220 MT, including 65 percent surimi base and 35 percent prepared surimi products. In 2001, the United States was France's leading supplier of surimi base, with 64 percent of the market. The United States mainly competes with Chile and Denmark on the French market for surimi base. Thailand, South Korea and China are France's leading suppliers of prepared surimi products.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, July 8, 2002 -- With limited natural resources, the Dominican Republic imported US$85 million in forest products in CY 2001. Most of the softwood was U.S. origin, but only thirty percent of the panel products and practically no hardwoods.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, July 8, 2002 -- Local tobacco production is recuperating from an oversupply situation. Trade with the United States continues strong with U. S. tobacco exports to the Dominican Republic exeeded US$85 million in CY 2001.

ESTONIA, July 8, 2002 -- With increasing purchasing power and growing tourism, prospects for increased demand of imported high-value food products are viewed as favorable. The fast consolidation of retail outlets through investments by large Scandinavian chains may provide new opportunities for exporters who can successfully connect with these companies. American exporters must be more aggressive as European suppliers have already established distribution networks over the past decade. Major current constraints to exports of U.S. products include import tariff duties that place European suppliers and partners of Free Trade Agreements at a price advantage. In preparing for EU accession, Estonia is in the process of harmonizing its food safety, labeling and certification requirements with those of the EU.

VENEZUELA, July 8, 2002 -- After an import ban of over nine months, the Government of Venezuela started to issue licenses for the import of yellow corn in late June. Sources indicate that licenses for approximately 157,000 tons have been issued. Expectations are that licenses for about the same quantity will be issued in both July and August, but once the domestic corn crop harvested starts in September imports will once again be banned.

VENEZUELA, July 8, 2002 -- The Venezuelan poultry industry has been faced with nine months of restrictions on feed ingredients, high prices for inputs, and low demand for the finished product. Wholesale poultry prices crept up a bit in March, but came down again as supplies were not moving. The industry is holding large stocks of frozen product since consumers dont't have purchasing power. Without some kind of relief, many of the smaller producers in the sector may go out of business.

NEW ZEALAND, July 10, 2002 -- General: Woolworths takeover near completion. NZ farmers call for an increase in trade negotiators. Horticulture: Organic kiwifruit top up payment and kiwifruit pools become industry issues. HortResearch suffers NZ$ 5 million funding cut. Livestock: Woolboard officially disbanded. Dairy: Fonterra further consolidates Australian market. Forestry: Citic and Fletcher Forests to acquire Central North Island Forest Partnership.

NETHERLANDS, July 10, 2002 -- News of pigs contaminated with feed containing the banned growth hormone MPA worries the Dutch Livestock Sector. The Ministry of Agriculture temporarily closed 42 pig farms where the MPA was found in feed and suspects that more farms will be affected.

NORWAY, July 10, 2002 -- Because of its highly restrictive GMO policy, Norway continues to deny import of genetically modified soybeans and to source soybeans from Brazil. The U.S., as a result, is losing out on potential annual sales of an estimated $ 80 million.

NETHERLANDS, July 5, 2002 -- The Netherlands imports 94 percent of its forest product needs. The value of U.S. forest product exports to the Netherlands amounted to US $36.7 million in 2000, up from $32.1 million in 1999. Opportunities for U.S. exports include Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) wood products.

TURKEY, July 10, 2002 -- This week the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) announced new purchase prices for grains. The announcement was somewhat of a surprise, since prices were just announced a few weeks ago. The new prices are approximately three percent higher than the previously announced prices. In real terms, the increase in prices is nearly washed out by the recent devaluation of the Turkish Lira relative to the dollar.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, July 10, 2002 -- The Government of the Dominican Republic has announced that it will begin enforcing its Spanish labeling requirements after August 15, 2002.

MOROCCO, July 10, 2002 -- Morocco's wheat and barley production turned out to be better than expected because of the exceptional rainfall recorded during the spring this year. Total wheat and barley production is comparable to last year. The abundant rainfall improved pasture and local feed supply significantly and is likely to result in lower imports of barley during the next few months. Wheat imports will likely be down during next few months as the local production is expected to displace imports.

CANADA, July 10, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * Soybean Pilot Project Announced * Canola Production in Canada Uncertain * GM Canola Spreading Via Seed, Says Agriculture Canada Report * Canadian Crops Blasted by Heat-Wave * South Dakota's Oxen Spring Wheat Variety in Canada * Farm Operator's Total Income Rises * Sawmill Production and Shipments See Double-digit Increases * Pettigrew Sees Little Hope of Early End to Lumber Dispute

MEXICO, July 10, 2002 -- Chicken Prices on Rise in Northern Mexico*Legislators Will Reword Biosafety Law*Finance Secretary Warms of Economic Storm Clouds*Economy Has a Good Outlook Despite Bad News*Trade Pact With EU Means Meager Returns for Mexican Exporters

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, July 11, 2002 -- The Uzbekistan's market for food and agricultural products remains difficult to penetrate. The market liberalization for imported food and beverages is carried out very slowly, with tariffs ranging from 0-30%. New modern retail outlets, which are good venues for imported products, are still small in number, due to certain economic problems, in particular, currency convertibility problems.

TAJIKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, July 11, 2002 -- No summary available.

TAJIKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, July 11, 2002 -- No summary available.

CROATIA, July 11, 2002 -- Supermarkets first became significant in the Croatian retail food sector in 1997. Today, 37 percent of households regularly shop and buy most of their food in supermarkets. This has led to a decline in the number of smaller stores. Croatian imports of consumer food items have almost doubled from $267 million 1993 to $416 million in 2000. This report contains a listing of major supermarkets and their sales levels as well as a listing of market research companies active in the retail food sector.

SPAIN, July 11, 2002 -- Upadated sections includes Packaging, Food Additives, Contaminants and Novel Foods/Feeds.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, July 11, 2002 -- The Korean economy grew by 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2002, and the GDP rate for entire year is now forecast at 6.4 percent. The Korean Won has gained 7 percent against the U.S. dollar since January 1 of this year, which bodes well for imports of U.S. agricultural products. Korean imports of U.S. agricultural products were up 1 percent to $1.4 billion through May, with processed foods recording 40 percent growth, seafood 16 percent growth. These gains were offset by lower sales levels of corn and other bulk products.

FRANCE, July 11, 2002 -- In MY2000/2001, French raw cotton imports decreased sharply to 84,000 MT due to a reduction in raw cotton stocks and are expected to further decrease in MY 2001/2002. No major rebound is expected in the French textile industry. The bulk of imports comes from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), mainly Uzbekistan. Cotton yarn and fabric production are expected to remain sluggish in CY 2002. French imports of U.S. raw cotton remained at a very low level but U.S. cotton also enters France in the form of fabrics and textile items, since U.S. clothing brands are very popular in France.

MEXICO, July 11, 2002 -- Total Mexican planting seed imports were valued at over $222 million in 2001, up considerably from $151 million the previous year. The U.S. captured 86.6 percent of Mexico's seed imports, exporting $192 million worth of seeds to Mexico in 2001.

SPAIN, July 11, 2002 -- Spain's food processing industry is the fifth largest in the European Community and is growing. The industry is constantly adding value to its products to meet consumers' demands for healthier, more convenient food. There are significant opportunities for U.S. suppliers to sell both raw materials and ingredients in this market.

ARGENTINA, July 11, 2002 -- The steep peso devaluation (70% as of June 2002) has created a new environment for the Argentine citrus industry, but is not likely to have much impact on trade. The imposition of 10% export taxes, a saturated market, "dollarized" inputs, and the lack of credit are keeping traders from taking fully advantage of the benefits of the new exchange rate. Lemon imports to the U.S. were suspended in September 2001 by a State of California's court, and new outbreaks of citrus canker are likely to further delay new shipments. A record high lemon crop of 1.3 million tons is expected in CY 2002, although 100,000 tons is expected to be left on the trees.

EL SALVADOR, July 11, 2002 -- The Northern triad is not self-sufficient in the production of basic grains and relies on imports to satisfy demand. The United States is the major supplier of yellow corn and rice to the Northern triad. White corn is usually imported from Mexico and South Africa. El Salvador and Honduras are major markets for U.S. wheat. This is not the case in Guatemala were Canadian wheat dominates the market. This report includes June published USDA crop data for 2001-2003.

THAILAND, July 12, 2002 -- Weekly rice price and trade update.

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, July 9, 2002 -- The first human case Q fever in the Bosnian municipality of Prijedor was reported on April 22, 2002. Since then 161 cases have been reported with six new cases reported on May 14, 2002. Local authorities are unsure which animals are harboring the disease and are ill-equipped to test for it. The spread of Q-fever underscores the need for international assistance for diagnostic laboratories, quarantine stations, and other disease control measures.

BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, July 9, 2002 -- An anthrax outbreak in Bosnia has killed one farmer. The government will take steps, including vaccination, to prevent further cases. A lack of modern diagnostic equipment may be hindering diagnosis. Contact information for veterinary officials in Bosnia is provided.

EUROPEAN UNION, July 12, 2002 -- Export refund rates increased for fresh lemons and apples. All other rates (fresh, nuts and processed) remained unchanged.

EUROPEAN UNION, July 12, 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".

NETHERLANDS, July 12, 2002 -- As a response to criticism of the new U.S. Farm Bill, the U.S. Ambassador to The Netherlands sent an editorial to a daily agricultural newspaper, defending it. The Ministry of Agriculture responded that the article delivered a valuable message to both sides.

AUSTRIA, July 12, 2002 -- Dryness has hurt yields on winter grain crops in Austria. According to a recent report by Statistik Austria, this year's total grain production is estimated to be 2.9MMT (excluding corn) or about a four percent decline from last year.