KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, May 18, 2004 -- Revised KS4018 on April 9,2004. Revised section: PS&D attached. Raw sugar imports are expected to increase marginally in MY 2004/05 in response to improving demand from the soft drink sector and continued strength in refined sugar export demand from China. Increasing international corn prices could reduce the competition Korean sugar refiners face from high fructose corn syrup manufacturers in MY 2004/05.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, May 18, 2004 -- The Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) recently adopted a decision on the requirements for the import and transit of live animals, animal products, veterinary medicines, and animal feed and waste. This decision gives the State Veterinary Office (SVO) responsibility over "prior import approvals". Entity ministries of agriculture are no longer involved in the import approval process. Six border crossings have been designated for the import and transfer of live animals and animal products.

ZAMBIA, May 18, 2004 -- The demand for wheat is estimated at 150,000 mt per year, production is estimated between 55,000 - 75,000 mt per year. The balance is met through imports mainly Argentine wheat. This year about 14,000 mt of HRW will be imported by Zambia. The Zambian millers readily accept HRW and should the prices be competitive Zambia is an emerging market albeit in small quantities.

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, May 18, 2004 -- Uzbekistan's MY 2004/05 cotton planting is under way starting about one week late in most regions of the country due to heavy rains in early spring. Weather conditions in the fall will be critical to final production results. Currently, MY 2004/05 production is forecast at 1.02 million metric tons (MMT) with exports reaching 750,000 MT.

INDONESIA, May 18, 2004 -- Indonesia's snack food market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and expansion in retail distribution and improvements in processing promises continued expansion in the future. Popcorn and potato chips currently lead U.S. processed snack food sales, while potato flakes is the leading U.S. raw material imported for the snack sector. As local distribution and production systems continue to evolve, additional opportunities will be created for U.S. exporters, particularly those that supply raw materials.

EGYPT, May 18, 2004 -- Total oilseed production in MY 2003,04 decreased by about 26 percent due to a significant decrease in cotton area. Oil meal consumption decreased by 15 percent in 2003 compared to 2002, but vegetable oil consumption in 2003 increased by 14 percent due to a substantial increase in palm oil imports.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, May 18, 2004 -- Approximately 100 suspected cases of human Q fever have been reported in Banja Luka with the Institute for Health Protection declaring an epidemic. The disease was likely contracted from nomadic sheep flocks, and the regional veterinary inspection service is ordering farmers to relocate. The Republika Srpska Chief Veterinarian stated blood tests would likely confirm Q fever. Veterinarian officials are working to track and test suspected flocks.

MOROCCO, May 18, 2004 -- Fresh citrus export figures have been revised down because of the limited supply due to lower production this year and strong demand in the local market. Citrus Processing (for concentrate) went down sharply to 2,000 MT (less than 1 percent nominal capacity because of high prices in the local fresh market. This exacerbates the already weak financial situation of the sole citrus concentrate producer, FRUMAT.

MEXICO, May 18, 2004 -- Mexican cotton production is expected to increase by approximately 75 percent to 625,000 bales in MY 2004/05 (Aug-Jul), due to higher world cotton prices and expected increases in government supports. Imports are forecast to increase slightly to 2.150 million bales, as a result of the recovery in the U.S. economy and the consequent increase in Mexico's textile/apparel exports

MEXICO, May 18, 2004 -- Mexican coffee production for MY 2004/05 is not expected to increase from the current year, due to large global supplies, low international prices, and insufficient government financial support. However, Mexican producers are increasingly turning away from conventional coffee production to organic production as a way of closing the large gap between productions costs and market prices. The Government of Mexico (GOM) is providing limited support to coffee producers to help them through the current crisis.