FAS Weekly Attache Report Digest
October 12, 2002

PHILIPPINES, October 3, 2002 -- Centrifugal sugar production is expected increase by about five percent to reach two million MT in MY 2002/2003 fueled by modernization efforts being undertaken by the sugar industry. Both area planted and harvested are forecast to expand as a result of rising domestic prices and stable demand.

PHILIPPINES, October 3, 2002 -- Although currently a minor consumer, consumption of lamb meat and meat products is expected to grow 30 percent this year, according to the South Asia regional manager of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).

JORDAN, October 3, 2002 -- In MY 2001/2002, the U.S. supplied 77 percent of Jordan's wheat imports. USDA programs - GSM-102 and 416(b) were important tools for these purchases. Barley imports totaled 380,000 tons, but none was purchased from the U.S. due to high price. Jordan's corn imports totaled 446,000 tons, 6 percent of U.S. origin. Rice imports in 2002 are estimated at 104,000 tons including 20,000 tons from the U.S.

JAPAN, October 3, 2002 -- On September 20, the Food Agency (FA) conducted its fourth simultaneous buy and sell (SBS) tender for feed wheat and barley during Japanese fiscal year 2002. The FA contracted 4,450 metric tons (MT) of wheat and 140,000 MT of barley. According to trade sources, 4,300 MT of wheat and 28,900 MT of barley from the Ukraine were again purchased in this tender.

PHILIPPINES, October 3, 2002 -- Prices of coconut products were generally higher in June 2002 as global supplies remained tight. Exports of copra, coconut oil and copra meal during the period declined by 95, 40, and 47 percent, respectively, compared to their levels the previous year.

INDIA, October 3, 2002 -- Low purchasing power, high import duties, onerous labeling requirements, and underdeveloped retailing sector continue to thwart imports of high value food products. Nevertheless, India has a large and growing elite consumer class which is aware of quality differences and insist on world standards. The ongoing agricultural negotiations at the World Trade Organization promise much improved market access in the coming years.

TURKEY, October 3, 2002 -- In MY 2003, Turkey is expected to produce approximately 2,336,000 MT of centrifugal sugar. Weather conditions were well suited for sugar beet production. Turkey's production quota for corn-based sweetener was increased by 50 percent to 351,150 MT for MY 2003. According to the corn-based sweetener producers, about 450,000 MT of sweetener were sold on the domestic market in MY 2002 (Sep. 2001-Aug. 2002). Sugar exports have continued to decline over the past three years as subsidies and supplies have fallen.

CHILE, October 3, 2002 -- Chile's production of canned peaches in MY2002 is expected to expand, as weather has been favorable. A reduction in Greek production is expected to have a positive effect on Chilean exports in the coming year.

CHILE, October 3, 2002 -- Chile's salmon and trout industries reduced production and exports in an effort to reverse a dramatic fall in export prices that resulted from the continuous record expansion for the last decade. In the coming years the industry will expand further but a much lower rate.

CANADA, October 3, 2002 -- For U.S. companies entering the Canadian market, it is important to find a Canadian food broker to help with the logistics of entering the country in addition to marketing products.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, October 3, 2002 -- The consumption of imported consumer foods in the Dominican Republic has increased by nearly 25% per year during the last ten years and this tendency is expected to continue in the near future. Supermarkets are becoming more important at the expense of the traditional warehouses and grocery stores. The market structure for food distribution has changed in recent years, with greater participation of the local and international supermarket chains, which are more prone to sell imported products.

AUSTRALIA, October 3, 2002 -- Fine Food is the largest food industry event in Australia. The show is held annually, alternating between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. Over 600 exhibitors showcase the latest food, drink and equipment ideas from around the world.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 3, 2002 -- Alaska pollack catch will decrease sharply in 2002 as Korea purchased only 25,000 MT of Alaska pollack catch quota from Russia in 2002, compared to 200,000 MT in 2001. As groundfish, surimi, and roe production correlates with Alaskan pollack catch, total production of these products is expected to decline significantly in 2002. The capacity of the Korean fishing fleet and the number of fishery households are continuing to decrease as domestic production is expected to decline in the future. In 2001, Korea suffered a trade deficit of $375 million in seafood trade with foreign countries for the first time.

PAKISTAN, October 3, 2002 -- Pakistan's MY 2002/03 sugar production is expected to increase to 3.77 million metric tons (MMT) due to forecast increase in area and yields as a result of good monsoon rains. To discourage imports, Government of Pakistan (GOP) has levied 25 percent import duty.

AUSTRALIA, October 4, 2002 -- Post forecasts a further decline in Australia's 2002/03 wheat and barley crops, which are now expected at 16.5 million tons and 4.9 million tons respectively. The further decline in expected 2002/03 wheat output is attributed to a sharp drop in area and slightly lower forecasted yield. Timely September rains helped stem further reductions in output of Australia's winter grains.

AUSTRALIA, October 4, 2002 -- Post places CY 2002 cannery intake for peaches at 50,000 MT, representing a decrease of seven percent on the previous year. Post forecasts canner intake for peaches for CY 2003 at 53,000 MT. Peach production for CY 2003 is forecast to increase slightly to 43,990 MT, in line with increased deliveries to processors. Exports of canned peaches for CY 2002 are forecast at 9,000 MT, around 12 percent higher than the level achieved during the previous year. Post forecasts cannery intake for pears in CY 2003 to fall to 51,000 MT. Canned pear exports are forecast to decrease slightly during CY 2002 versus the previous year.

TURKEY, October 4, 2002 -- Turkey's MY 2002 cotton production is expected to increase due primarily to larger planted area. Turkish mill, enjoying the benefits of favorable exchange rates and increased demand for textiles, imported a record amount of cotton. The United States continues to be the leading supplier of cotton to Turkey, providing more thatn fifty percent of all imports. Low U.S. cotton prices and the availability of GSM-102 credit guarantees were the main reason for the increase.

INDIA, October 4, 2002 -- Post scales down MY 2002 peanut estimates to 6.4 million tons due to prolonged dry spell in major growing areas. Due to domestic shortfall in oilseed production, low year ending stocks and increasing offtake of edible oils, imports are forecast to rebound to 4.9 million tons during MY 2002 compared with an estimated imports of 4.2 million tons during MY 2001.

TURKEY, October 4, 2002 -- This report updates ATO/Istanbul's listing of major trade shows especially on Food and Food Products from September 2002 to September 2004. The purpose of this report is to inform U.S. companies in the food, agriculture, poultry and forest product sectors of potential export opportunities to Turkey and upcoming trade events.

INDIA, October 4, 2002 -- 2002 rice production has been revised downward to 78 million tons reflecting preliminary government estimates. CY2002 rice exports revised upward to 6 million tons.

POLAND, October 4, 2002 -- Poland's GDP growth fell to 1.1 percent, unemployment rose to over 17 percent, and inflation dropped to below 5 percent in 2001. These trends continue into 2002, but expectations are for a modest turn around, particularly after EU accession which Poland's government hopes to achieve by 2004. Despite economic difficulties, the modernizing food retail sector continues to expand. Food trade, predominanetly between Poland and the EU, has risen significantly in recent years and is expected to continue to grow. There are select prospects for U.S. food and beverage products sold directly to Poland or indirectly via Western Europe.

GERMANY, October 4, 2002 -- Total turnover in the German fish industry increased by 10.4 percent to Euro 2.029 billion (US$ 1.972 billion) in CY 2001. Triggered by the BSE scandal per capita consumption of fishery products rose from 13.3 kg in 2000 to 14 kg in 2001. The United States supplied about Euro 84.7 million (US$ 82.3 million) worth of fish and fish products in CY 2001. This amounts to 3.3 percent of the German import market. The U.S. was able to considerably increase exports of frozen Alaska pollack to Germany, and is now the third-largest supplier. This is due to stronger efforts by processing companies in Germany to import from sustainable sources.

THAILAND, October 4, 2002 -- Export prices continued downward trend in response to the combined effects of Baht depreciation, light demand, and increased release of government stocks into the export channels.

THAILAND, October 4, 2002 -- This Exporter Guide is prepared by the USDA, Bangkok office for U.S. exporters of high-value and consumer-oriented foods who are interested in entering the Thai market. It provides information on local business practices; tips for U.S. exporters to do business in Thailand; current market situation and future trends for retail, HRI food service and food processing sector; best high-value product prospects, tariff rate table and interesting key contacts in Thailand.

POLAND, October 4, 2002 -- Favorable weather conditions resulted in large beet and sugar yields. Newly estimated centrifugal sugar production will likely reach 2.0 million tons, almost 15 percent more than domestic use needs. Sugar exports are expected to reach 300,000 tons in MY 2002/03 of which one-third will be exported with government subsidies.

ITALY, October 4, 2002 -- For 2002 a significant decline in Greek peach output due to unfavorable weather will result in a strong recovery of Italian canned peach production. Italian canned pear and mixture outputs are forecast to remain stable in 2002, as Italian pear production was slightly over the previous year's level.

NETHERLANDS, October 4, 2002 -- The Netherlands is an important trader in fish, and imported 1.4 billion euro worth in 2000. Dutch households are increasing their consumption of fish products. Salmon has been one of the major products behind this growth. Sales of smoked salmon grew by 260 percent and has become the second most popular fish after herring.

ITALY, October 4, 2002 -- This report offers U.S. companies interested in exporting food and agricultural products to Italy, a guide to the country's economic situation and market structure, as well as exporter tips and trade prospects.

INDONESIA, October 4, 2002 -- Recent dry weather conditions have delayed Indonesia’s planting season for corn. However, it is expected that conditions will not impact corn production or quality. Due to competition with corn imports from China, U.S. corn imports are estimated to drop to 150,000 mt in MY2001/02, and are expected increase to 200,000 mt in MY2002/03, as the poultry industry continue to grow and economic conditions improve. Feed production in MY2001/02 are estimated to reach 7.5 mmt and 7.0 mmt in MY2002/2003.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 4, 2002 -- A provision in the Ministerial Ordinance to the Livestock Industry Act could lead to trade disturbance in livestock genetic imports. Article 21 of the Ministerial Ordinance to the Act requires "Either the survival rate of the semen must be 60% or higher or the rate of deformity must be 15% or lower." This provision has been in place since at least September 7, 1999 but Post and genetic importers are not aware of any cases where importers were penalized due to this provision. However, in 1998 there was a case where the government refused to receive imported semen that did not meet this provision. Revisions in the Livestock Industry Act could change this situation.

PHILIPPINES, October 7, 2002 -- Although still unofficial, the National Food Authority (NFA) has proposed that Letters of Credit (LCs) be issued to farmers groups-importers on January 2-15, 2003 with the balance of the volume to be imported opened to other importers on January 16-31, 2003. Each importer will be limited to only 10,000 MT of rice in NFA's proposal. The GOP will allow the private sector to import around 800 TMT of milled rice in 2003.

PHILIPPINES, October 7, 2002 -- Atty. Anthony R.A. Abad has resigned as National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator. Atty. Arthur C. Yap, President of the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), has been appointed as his replacement.

FRANCE, October 7, 2002 -- France is a major market for seafood products, with one of the highest levels of per capita seafood consumption (27.5 kg per year) in Europe, a population of 62 million, and domestic production well below consumption. In 2001, France imported 8,500 MT of groundfish fillets, 7,500 MT of salmon, 7,100 MT of surimi, 2,000 MT of lobster, and 1,500 MT of scallops from the United States. In 2001 and 2002, the United States added to its leading position as a supplier of surimi base to France. U.S. shipments of frozen Alaska pollack fillets to France sky-rocketed in 2001, and further increased in 2002. Also, U.S. exports of scallops to France doubled in 2001, and stabilized at this higher level in 2002.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, October 7, 2002 -- Russian sugar production in 2003 is forecast to decrease by eight percent, to 1.5 million metric tons (MMT), due to lower sugar beet yields, after a five percent increase in 2002. Lot prices for the September auction of the 3.95 MMT sugar tariff rate quota (TRQ) reached record highs, which will likely signal a price rise during 2003. Total Russian imports are also expected to rise in 2003 as a result of an expansion of the TRQ and growing demand.

PAKISTAN, October 7, 2002 -- Pakistan's MY 2002/03 rice production forecast has been increased 350,000 MT to 3.85 million metric tons, based on higher than expected area and yields at least equivalent to last year's. The MY 2002/03 rice export forecast has been revised upward to 1.1 MMT. MY 2002/03 ending stocks are forecast to decline and are expected to consist largely of Basmati rice. MY 2001/02 export estimates have been increased, based on actual shipments and final production estimates of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (MINFAL).

GREECE, October 7, 2002 -- The severely cold winter of 2002 reduced peach crops in Greece by 30%. Taking into account available stocks, the canned peach industry will show a 19% reduction in the supply of canned peaches in 2002. Exports are expected to decline 34%. The winter storm did not affect the apricot crop. Apricots delivered to processors were slightly increased over 2001 levels. Production of canned mixtures is expected to increase 20% due to lower production in Italy.

GREECE, October 7, 2002 -- Rainstorms and flooding in two of Greece's key dried fruit areas have cut production by nearly 67 percent in 2002. Production will be 10,000 tons of mostly inferior quality dried fruit. The weather has also delayed delivery of fruit to packers. Stocks from last year are expected to sustain domestic consumption, and imports are expected to quadruple to 2000 tons.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, October 7, 2002 -- Recent international grain price increases triggered South African import tariff reductions and by the end of October both corn and wheat should be duty free. Higher international grain prices will, however negate much of the cost savings. Good rainfall is thus of outmost importance to allow the required 9 million ton plus corn crop for the upcoming season. Planting intentions indicate that the potential is there but early season rain has been very poor with optimum planting dates in the eastern areas fast approaching. Rainfall over the next four to six weeks will be critical and will be closely watched.

CROATIA, October 7, 2002 -- Croatian imports of dried fruits and nuts rose 24 percent in 2001 to $11 million. This trend is expected to continue and U.S. exporters can expect good sales opportunities for almonds, dried prunes and in some instances peanuts. This report contains trade data, tariffs, and importer contact information.

PERU, October 7, 2002 -- Peru imported $ 10 million (CIF value), 61,000 hectoliters, of wine in 2001, a five percent increase over the previous year. For 2002, wine imports are forcasted to grow at least nine percent. Peruvians prefer wines that cost less than $7/bottle, and currently the principal sources are Chile, Spain and Argentina. Wine imports from other than Chile face import taxes of 17 percent (Chilean wine pays only 14 percent). In addition all wines face domestic taxes of 38 percent.

CANADA, October 7, 2002 -- Canada's 2002 fresh apple crop will fall about 10% from last year's relatively low level mainly due to an estimated 30% decline in Ontario where the crop was adversely affected by spring frosts followed by severe heat and prolonged dry periods. Canadian fresh pear output is expected to be up moderately from a year ago. Prospects for increased U.S. exports of fresh apples and pears in MY2002/2003 are bright.

CROATIA, October 7, 2002 -- Croatia is a net food importer and the $2.1 billion Croatian food processing sector is very reliant on imported ingredients. U.S. exporters compete with EU and neighboring country suppliers. The best ingredient sales prospects are for rice, dried fruits and nuts, fish and fish products.

BRAZIL, October 7, 2002 -- Brazilian sugarcane production for MY 2002/03 is estimated at 320 million metric tons, down 4 percent from our previous projection due to weather related problems. The Center-South harvest is expected to be over in November, whereas the North-Northeast crushing season has just started. Total sugar production for MY 2002/03 has been revised downward to 22.75 mmt, raw value to reflect updated sugarcane availability. Brazil's MY 2002/03 sugar exports are projected at 13.1 mmt, raw value, up 13 percent from MY 2001/02, reflecting higher availability of the product and the steady devaluation of the local currency. As of July 1 2002, the Brazilian Government set total alcohol content in gasoline at 25 percent. On September 27, the Brazilian government requested consultations on European sugar subsidies at WTO.

EL SALVADOR, October 7, 2002 -- Growth in the retail & HRI sectors continue to bolster consumption of U.S. food/beverage products. Ongoing free trade negotiations are also providing new opportunities for Salvadoran exports which in turn help increase foreign revenue and purchasing power of the Salvadoran consumer. U.S. exporters should take advantage of the local consumer's perception that U.S. food products are of higher quality and safer. Processing sector is continously demanding food ingredients which provides an excellent opportunity for U.S. manufacturers.

JAPAN, October 3, 2002 -- Japanese wood product imports from Europe were 3,300,000 m3, in 2001, including 382,000 cubic meters (m3) of structural glulam, 41,000 m3 of hardwood lumber, and 2,280,000 m3 of softwood lumber.

JAPAN, October 3, 2002 -- The 2 x 4 steel house market has been developed by the Japanese steel industry to expand the steel market. In 2001, 6,041 units were built, up from 1,225 the previous year, and, in 2002, they are forecast to double from the year before.

JAPAN, October 3, 2002 -- In spite of declining production of fiberboard products, Japanese imports were up in 2001, with hardboard imports up 52.5% and MDF imports up 15.6%. Principal suppliers were New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia.

MEXICO, October 7, 2002 -- Poultry Crisis in Merida*Campesio Group Calls for Yucatan State-of-Emergency*Government Earmarks More Aid for Yucatan*IMF Report: Mexico an Island of Stability Amid Latin Aemrican Turbulence

DENMARK, October 8, 2002 -- This report provides information to U.S. companies interested in doing business in Denmark. It focuses on export of consumer-oriented food and beverages, edible fishery products and food ingredients.

DENMARK, October 8, 2002 -- 2001 grain harvest is estimated at 8.9 million tons, down 9 percent from previous year.

SOUTH AFRICA, REPUBLIC OF, October 8, 2002 -- South Africa's CY 2002 total canned fruit production is expected to decrease by 12% from a year earlier because of the unseasonal pre-harvest cold and wet weather conditions which had a major impact on canned apricots. Estimated reductions in production are 24% for canned apricots, 14% for canned pears, 12% for mixed fruit, and 6% for peaches. A marginal reduction in exports from 2001 is expected as a result of the fall in total production and stocks.

POLAND, October 4, 2002 -- After record CY2001 apple production, the crop in CY2002 is expected to decline 25 percent mainly because of unfavorable weather conditions in April-May 2002. Lower apple production will result in lower concentrated apple juice production. To cover fresh fruit demand, Poland could increase apple imports. Concentrated apple juice exports, virtually all destined for the EU, are forecast to drop over 10 percent.

GREECE, October 8, 2002 -- Greece is an import dependent country, with total CY 2000 agricultural imports from the U.S. of $119 million. Greece, selected to host the 2004 Olympics, expects tourism to double to 25 million people at the time of the Games. There are exciting marketing opportunities for U.S. food items. In addition, changes in Greek lifestyles provide very good potential for U.S. food imports such as frozen foods, seafood, nuts, and snack foods.

EUROPEAN UNION, October 8, 2002 -- Due to good planting and crop conditions EU sugar production is expected increase in 2002/2003 by 1.6 million MT. C-sugar volume is expected to increase to approximately 3.5 million MT, with total sugar exports expected at approximately 5.8 million MT.

TAIWAN, October 8, 2002 -- ATO Taipei will once again organize a USA pavilion at the Taipei International Food Show, conduct technical and marketing seminars, and co-sponsor restaurant menu and in-store supermarket promotions.

MEXICO, October 8, 2002 -- The 2002 Spring/Summer harvest is practically at the end. For the 2002/03 Fall/Winter harvest, the pace of planting has continued in a normal pattern for major grains and oilseeds. Despite the damages from Hurricane Isidore on corn areas in the states of Yucatan and Campeche, the impact on production is expected to be nil, as these states are not major contributors to Mexico's annual corn production.

MEXICO, October 8, 2002 -- The Secretariat of Economy announced in the Diario Oficial (Federal Register) that the 2002 safeguard quota for U.S. potatoes, not frozen, prepared or preserved (2005.20.01) has been filled and that the 20 percent safeguard tariff will apply starting October 3, 2002, and remain in effect through December 31, 2002.

UZBEKISTAN, REPUBLIC OF, October 8, 2002 -- Uzbekistan's MY02/03 lint production is forecast at 980,000 metric tons and exports are forecast to decrease slightly from MY 2002/02 to 740,000 metric tons.

INDIA, October 9, 2002 -- Post's 2002/03 cotton production estimate has been revised higher to 14.0 million bales (170 kg) on improved growth prospects due to good rains during early September.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 9, 2002 -- Aggressive purchases reflect shift from corn to wheat.

INDIA, October 9, 2002 -- India to enter preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan*, *Support prices for fall harvested crops established*, *Fall harvested grain output down 18 percent*, *GDP growth rate scaled down*, *Indian Finance Minister calls on removal of trade distorting subsidies by rich*, *Malaysia looks to refine crude palm oil in India*, *McDonald's and McCain foods upgrade potato crop in Gujarat*.

MOROCCO, October 9, 2002 -- High Value Food Products: - USDA endorsed U.S. Food Exhibition: American Cafe 2003 - SAM show 2003 Poultry and Feed: - Dawajine show 2003

MOROCCO, October 9, 2002 -- The upcoming free trade agreement between U.S. and Morocco should provide new opportunity for U.S. exporters of food products.

THAILAND, October 9, 2002 -- The MY 2003 sugar cane production is estimated to increase only slightly despite the continued expansion of planted area, leading to a modest increase in sugar production and exports.

CANADA, October 9, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * Canada Applauds WTO Lumber Decision, Appeals WTO Dairy Decision * Canada Eyes up to C$400 Million in Lumber Sector Aid * Court Dismisses Case Against Dairy System * CFIA Gets New President * Good Year for Ontario Wines

PORTUGAL, October 10, 2002 -- Total 2003 Portuguese fish landings are forecasted at 130,000 mt, restricted by Total Allowed Catch levels (TACs) set by the EU. Total 2003 seafood product imports are forecasted to remain at 424,600 mt, limited by decreasing domestic seafood consumption. Severely affected by the improved price-competitiveness of Russian cod and Spanish squid suppliers, U.S. total seafood sales are expected to suffer a sharp reduction in 2002, to about a four percent share of total imports (six percent in 2001). U.S. sales should rebound in the future given improved export prices.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 10, 2002 -- Corn crop shows considerable improvement over last year. Corn exports pick up in August and look likely to continue strong through MY 2002. Corn imports negligible and wheat imports weak because of large domestic stocks and stronger world prices.

PAKISTAN, October 10, 2002 -- This report contains the most recent official cotton trade data for Pakistan.

INDONESIA, October 10, 2002 -- FAS/W Endorsed Trade Show is Food and Hotel Indonesia which will be held on April 2-5, 2003

MEXICO, October 10, 2002 -- As the economic outlook improves and the construction and furniture industries recover, forest products consumption and imports will increase. Traditionally, these sectors have consumed the largest percentage of forest product production and imports. However, trade of softwood and hardwood plywood will depend on the current safeguard investigation initiated on August 15, 2002 by the Government of Mexico.

JAPAN, October 8, 2002 -- Despite the increased supply of houses, Japan's poor economy depressed Tokyo's real estate market in 2001. Sales volumes declined, continuing downward pressure on the average price of used homes, condominiums, and vacant lots.

THAILAND, October 11, 2002 -- Export prices temporarily increase reacting to the short rice supply as the Baht depreciation made Thai origin rice attractive on international markets.

FRANCE, October 11, 2002 -- French apple and pear production is expected to increase in MY 2002/2003. Consumption is likely to remain stable. After a significant decrease in MY 2001/2002 due to to a smaller crop, apple exports, especially to non-EU countries, are expected to increase slightly in MY 2002/2003. Imports from the U.S. remain low due to competition from domestic production and low price competitiveness. Marketing activities have shown that niche market opportunities exist for U.S. organic apples.

GERMANY, October 11, 2002 -- Germany does not have a domestic processed sweet corn industry. In CY 2001 imports totalled 93,963 MT, including 80,730 MT of preserved sweet corn and 13,233 MT of frozen sweet corn. The United States is the fifth-largest supplier of preserved sweet corn to Germany with 2,810 MT. German exports are entirely transshipments.

HUNGARY, October 11, 2002 -- The apple crop was hit both by spring frosts and summer drought in 2002 and the crop is the smallest in three years. Export and domestic sales are stagnating along with production. The main channel for apple processing is juice concentrate. In 2002, Hungary considerably reduced trade barriers for apple products imported from the EU.

ARGENTINA, October 11, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during July 2002.

ARGENTINA, October 11, 2002 -- Argentine exports of oilseed,meal and oil during July 2002

SAUDI ARABIA, October 8, 2002 -- On September 17, 2002, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce (MOC) informed the French Embassy in Riyadh that it had lifted the immediate temporary import ban imposed on July 25, 2002 on French poultry and poultry products because of reported contamination by synthetic hormones harmful to humans.

SLOVAKIA, October 11, 2002 -- This report contains production, supply, and demand (PS&D) estimates for the apple crop in Slovakia.

ARGENTINA, October 11, 2002 -- In Cy 2003, domestic consumption is expected to rebound slightly, while a record high exports of 20,000 MT are forecast due to enhanced competitiveness as a result of the peso devaluation. Despite lower production in CY 2002, current exports of canned peaches have surpassed all expectations. Exports through the first six months of CY 2002 have doubled the volume exported in all CY 2001. This trend is expected to continue for the rest of CY 2002 reaching an export volume of 6,800 MT. In contrast, total paralysis defined the import sector where only a few tons have entered from Brazil so far in CY 2002. Higher domestic prices, created by both the devaluation and inflation, have severely depressed local consumption, allowing for increased exports.

ISRAEL, October 11, 2002 -- No summary available.

TANZANIA, UNITED REPUBLIC OF, October 11, 2002 -- Domestic wheat production in Tanzania is estimated at 5 percent of total demand with the balance being met through imports (annual average of 350,000 mt). Tanzania started taking Pakistani wheat in 2002, a situation likely to continue.

FRANCE, October 10, 2002 -- France is a $2.2 billion market for kosher foods, as measured by domestic sales. France is also the leading kosher market in Europe, with the largest Jewish community on the continent, approximately 700,000 people. The kosher food segment in France grew by 15 percent in 2001, and is estimated to reach $2.5 billion in 2002. Both imported and domestic products are distributed not only in specialized retail and kosher shops, but also in kosher sections in the largest supermarkets. Many French consumers consider kosher food products to be healthy, high quality, natural, and good tasting. The best prospects for kosher foods are gourmet-style products including wines, matzos, sauces, snacks, soups, crackers, and vegeterian dishes.

ROMANIA, October 11, 2002 -- Recent regulations on poultry packaging of poultry meat may siginificantly change the way U.S. poultry exporters package and market their products in Romania.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 10, 2002 -- This FAIRS report provides information on the most recent available versions of China's Copyright Law, Trademark Law, and Patent Law. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their applications with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulations is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 10, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of china Administrative Measures for Import and Export Meat Product Inspection and Quarantine and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulations is accurate.

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