JAPAN, April 21, 2004 -- Japanese fiberboard production, including particleboard, hardboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF) and insulation board, was 2,099,000 cubic meters (m3) in 2003, up slightly from the previous year. Notably, MDF production, 20% of total fiberboard production, was up 2.4 percent to 420,000 m3.

JAPAN, April 21, 2004 -- Japan invited foreign Embassies to comment on establishment of maximum residue limits for a veterinary drug, febantel. The deadline for comments is April 27, 2004. This proposal will be submitted to the WTO for a further opportunity for comments.

JAPAN, April 21, 2004 -- Total Japanese distribution in 2003, including domestic production and imports, was a record 2,104,100 cubic meters (m3). Japanese production of both structural and non-structural laminated wood products was a record 1,407,300 m3, up 20% from the previous year, with structural glulam production was up 26%.

JAPAN, April 21, 2004 -- Japan proposed to designate two flavorings, 2-ethyl-3,(5,6)-dimethylpyrazine and 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, and revise the use standards for zinc gluconate and copper gluconate to permit their use in foods with health claims.

SPAIN, April 21, 2004 -- Production estimates for Spain's MY 2003/04 peach and pear crops have been revised upward. With abundant raw materials and reduced competition in international markets, processors had record outputs for both canned peaches and pears and expect to have record exports as well.

NIGERIA, April 21, 2004 -- Despite a tripling of ocean freight rates, U.S. wheat exports to Nigeria in MY2003/04 grew 20 percent over a year earlier. The increase in U.S. wheat exports to Nigeria is fueled by increased consumption of bread, pasta and biscuits. A recent study conducted by FAS Lagos revealed that Nigeria's rice imports includes virtually all parboiled rice shipped to Cotonou. Benin Republic is a market for regular milled white rice. Prices of corn are up to $250/MT, forcing feed manufacturers to switch to sorghum and millet.