MALAYSIA, April 23, 2004 -- Total Malaysian cane production is expected to drop to 800 TMT in 2004 due to a reduction in planted area. Domestic sugar consumption should rebound in response to increased demand from consumers and refiners. The outlook for imports is bright with an expected 4% growth in 2004. Exports of refined sugar to neighboring countries continued to show an-trend in recent years.

VIETNAM, April 23, 2004 -- Prices are still quite high, due to tight supplies. As of mid-April, Vietnam's YTD rice exports are estimated to have exceeded 1.2 million metric tons.

EU-15, April 23, 2004 -- 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 USDA publication "Rice Market News".

KENYA, April 23, 2004 -- Kenya recorded 196,000 tons of wheat for MY 2003/04 against an estimated annual consumption of 700,000 tons. The shortfall is met by imports from different origins. A modest increase of 197,000 tons of wheat is forecast for MY 2004/05. The increase is attributed to favorable weather conditions.

JAPAN, April 23, 2004 -- Housing starts increased in January and February to 173,747, up 4.6% from the previous year. Wood framed housing starts were up 3.2% while the 2x4 construction sector was up 10.3% for the same period.

HUNGARY, April 23, 2004 -- The 2003 sunflower crop was the largest in seven years, and farm expectations are high for MY 2004/2005. Weather has been good thus far this year, and oilseed producers will receive increased direct payments under the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Stagnating poultry and swine production will limit the demand for domestic and imported protein meals in the next years.

BRAZIL, April 23, 2004 -- Brazilian sugarcane production for MY 2004/05 is forecast at 373 mmt, a new production record. Sugar production is forecast at 27.55 mmt, raw value, up 8 percent from the previous crop. Increased production should be diverted mainly to the international market. Total Brazilian sugar export for MY 2004/05 is projected at 16.7 mmt, raw value, up 2.16 mmt compared to MY 2003/04.

THAILAND, April 23, 2004 -- Export prices continued to decline but remained high.

CROATIA, April 23, 2004 -- Croatia's supermarket sector has been growing rapidly with supermarkets representing 50% of total food retailing in 2002. Foreign chains such as Billa, Kaufland, DM, Ipercoop, Metro, and Mercator have all invested in this market and are present. Croatia's supermarket growth represents an opportunity for U.S. exporters. Best prospects include snack foods, processed fruit, tree nuts, wine, beer, and pet food.

ZIMBABWE, April 23, 2004 -- Zimbabwe is expected to produce 4.1 million tons of sugar cane this year after 4.5 million tons were produced in MY 2004. Sugar production is nonetheless expected to reach 515,000 tons after 508,000 tons were produced in 2004. Exports from the 2005 crop are at this stage forecast at 125,000 tons after the 2004 exports reached 150,000 tons. Zimbabwe's land reform program has now reached the sugar industry.

SWAZILAND, April 23, 2004 -- Swaziland's MY 2005 sugar cane crop is estimated at 4.4 million tons after 5 million tons were cut in MY 2004. The decrease in production is mainly due to an early summer drought. Sugar production is expected to reach 540,000 tons after 630,000 tons were produced in 2004. Exports are forecast at 225,000 tons and Customs Union sales, including domestic sales, at 300,000 tons.