NETHERLANDS, April 30, 2004 -- FAS The Hague reports on upcoming promotional events and trade shows within The Netherlands

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, April 30, 2004 -- During 2004 China's edible bean, pea and lentil production (collectively termed pulses) is forecast to reach 6 MMT. As the result of strong demand in overseas markets, China's pulse exports have increased nearly 300 percent over the past six years. Japan, South Korea and South Africa are China's key export markets. In particular, the quality and export competitiveness of kidney and mung beans continues to improve. As a result, exports exceeded $300 million in value last year. On the import side, China's demand is rising for feed grade dry peas processed for noodle production. Two pulse industry trade and marketing events are scheduled in China during 2004.

JAPAN, April 30, 2004 -- As Japanese domestic plywood manufacturing industry has shifted from hardwood to softwood plywood production, manufacturers are increasingly using Russian larch. Russian larch imports now represent over 45%, or 2,171,000 m3, of total Russian log imports and are up over 10% in 2003, from the previous year. Total log imports from Russia were 4,671,000 in 2003, up almost 7% from the previous year.

ITALY, April 30, 2004 -- 2004 Italian tobacco leaf production is expected at 120,900 tons (farm weight), or 3 percent lower than in 2003 and within Italy's quota. Export levels are expected to decline somehow from the extremely high 2003 levels, due to the poor crop quality. The EU remains Italy's major customer, while Eastern Europe accounts for about 23 percent, and the U.S. for 8 percent of exports. Total imports rose by 21 percent, reflecting large arrivals from other EU countries, to be partially processed and re-exported. Imports from the U.S. remained virtually unchanged, but are expected to drop significantly due to the continued decline of domestic brand cigarette sales.

EU-25, April 30, 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".

THAILAND, April 30, 2004 -- Export prices increased slightly in response to the concern over the smaller second crop.

ITALY, April 30, 2004 -- The Italian fruit canning industry continues to face competition from other EU countries, especially Greece and Spain. Deliveries to processors and production are in line with previous years for all products. The poor results of the Greek 2003 campaign benefited the U.S. which gained market share as a supplier of canned peaches to the Italian market, following Spain.

BRAZIL, April 30, 2004 -- Brazilian chicken meat exports increased by 9.3 percent in volume to 537,335 metric tons during the first quarter of 2004 (Jan-Mar), while the value exported increased by 46 percent due to a higher export price, as a result of the effects of the Avian Influenza in the world poultry market.

MEXICO, April 30, 2004 -- *DIALOG BETWEEN MEXICAN AND U.S. SUGAR INDUSTRIES CONTINUE *THE NATIONAL AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE HAS A "BAD HARVEST" *MEXICO LOST THREE BILLION DOLLARS *THE ALIMENTARY INDUSTRY ENDORSES LAW TO REGULATE TRANSGENIC PRODUCTS *CAMPESINO GROUPS SUPPORT BAN ON IMPORTS OF TRANSGENIC CORN *IICA SAYS THE U.S. FARM BILL NEGATIVELY AFFECTED MEXICAN AGRICULTURE *ESTIMATED LOSS OF US$2.98 BILLION DUE TO SMUGGLING OF DRY BEANS