ISRAEL, May 13, 2004 -- The forecast for total citrus production in MY 2003/04 is estimated at 492-497 tmt, the same as in MY 2002/03. Citrus exports are expected to increase by 12-17 percent compared to the previous year. Delivery to processing plants is expected to decrease by 8-12 percent. Increasing demand for citrus in Europe, along with high profitability, has stimulated new demand for citrus seedlings for the preparation of new summer plants.

QATAR, May 13, 2004 -- Updated on May 10, 2004. Sections Updated: All. Qatar implements food labeling and food shelf life regulations as adopted by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The regulations do require Arabic-language labels or stickers and defines the shelf life for many food products. Import policies are viewed as liberal

INDIA, May 13, 2004 -- Post raised its 2003/04 cotton production estimate to 16.6 million bales (170 kg Indian bales) on strong end-season market arrivals. Based on the latest monthly cotton import figures compiled by the Textile Commissioner's Office, 2001/02 and 2002/03 cotton import estimates have been revised to 3.06 million bales and 1.56 million bales, respectively.

UNITED KINGDOM, May 13, 2004 -- With the UK holding large stocks of cigarettes and sterling strong on international markets, UK production of cigarettes fell sharply in CY2003 to just 108 billion pieces, down 25 billion pieces on CY2002. This led to a parallel decline in imports of unmanufactured tobacco. With market conditions forecast to be little changed in CY2004, cigarette production is forecast at just 105 billion pieces this year and imports of unmanufactured tobacco are forecast to remain under pressure. As is traditional, over half of the cigarettes produced will be exported. Consumption of duty-paid cigarettes continues to decline in the UK but is being replaced by consumption of personal or black market non-duty paid imports or of alternative tobacco products. Indeed, consumers are increasingly switching to hand rolled tobacco (RYO), a sector of the market associated with older clientele but now gaining a following among young smokers.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, May 13, 2004 -- MY04 imports are forecast at 1.1 MMT (5.0 million bales) and production is forecast at 6.8 MMT (28.2 million bales).