FAS Weekly Attache Report Digest
October 19, 2002

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.

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

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 -- Israel’s dairy industry, along with the poultry sector, are the most protected segments of Israel’s agriculture. Dairy imports average about five percent of total consumption. Annual milk production, approximately 1.2 billion liters, is controlled under a quota system and grows with the population. Government policy is designed to improve producers’ competitiveness with growing imports by improving efficiency, and to cope with growing environmental problems caused by the industry.

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.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 14, 2002 -- Initial press reports indicate that demand for fully finished housing is strong. A shift to turnkey housing in China's major urban centers could provide new opportunities and better distribution for imported wood products used in interiors and decoration.

JAPAN, October 14, 2002 -- Key upcoming marketing activities of the U.S. Agricultural Trade Offices in Japan (Tokyo and Osaka) thru the end of this year and into next year include: American Holiday Menu Cooking Seminars in Osaka and Fukuoka, November 6 and 12; a Christmas Theme American Fair inYokohama, December 20 - 26; a Single Buyer Showcase with a major pub-dining chain in Tokyo on November 15; Foodex Japan 2003 in Tokyo, March 11 - 14; a Regional Multi-buyer Showcase in Sendai, Miyagi, March 2003; Japan Pet Fair in Osaka, March 27-28; and the Japan Flower and Garden Show 2003 in Tokyo, March 21 - 23.

PHILIPPINES, October 14, 2002 -- The Philippines has imposed an additional special safeguard (SSG) duty on imports of chicken meat and parts based on its Safeguard Measures Act. The Department of Agriculture(DA) has concluded that the landed cost of five chicken products has fallen below the established trigger prices. AgAffairs Office has concerns about the trigger values, and discussions are ongoing with DA. Moreover, the DA has imposed an additional volume-based SSG duty for prepared and preserved chicken meats in airtight containers.

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.

UKRAINE, October 14, 2002 -- Ukraine's beet sugar production continues to recover from a decade of decline. The challenge for Ukraine is to balance raw cane sugar imports from Brazil and Cuba while exporting refined sugar in order to support high internal prices.

VENEZUELA, October 14, 2002 -- Import licenses for corn were severely restricted during the 2001/02 marketing year and will not reach even the minimum in-quota TRQ access level of 583,000 tons. Prospects for imports in 2002/03 are also down even in the face of a lower domestic corn crop since the devaluation of the bolivar has made imported products more expensive and dampened demand. The application of a valued-added tax on corn, and stricter phytosanitary measures will also work against increased imports in the coming year.

MOROCCO, October 14, 2002 -- The GOM policy to increase export prices for octopus helped improve revenues of cephalopod fishing companies in spite of the decrease in quantities exported. The GOM will likely continue its stringent policy to improve the management of its resources while keeping revenues from cephalopods high.

MEXICO, October 14, 2002 -- New Tomato Agreement?*Grain Import Quotas for Non-NAFTA Countries*Former Trade Secretary Says Mexico at Risk of Losing NAFTA Edge

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 14, 2002 -- The forecasts for MY2003 sugar imports and exports both have been revised sharply upward since FAS/China's last report (CH2023) due to imports of raw sugar that are coming in under China's WTO commitment, being processed, and then re-exported as refined sugar. The forecast for area planted to sugar beets also has been revised upward sharply, but the forecast for cane planted area (the dominant factor in China's sugar production) has been increased only slightly. The relatively low sugar price is not dissuading farmers from planting.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 14, 2002 -- This report provides a complete list of market-development activities, such as trade shows, retail promotions, trade teams and seminars, that the ATO Shanghai plans to hold, take part in, or observe over the period of October 2002 through September 2003. U.S. exporters and other organizations interested in participating in any of these activities should contact the respective organizer or the ATO Shanghai for additional information.

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.

INDONESIA, October 15, 2002 -- Imports of tobacco are expected to decline approximately 29 percent, from 44,347 MT in CY01 to 31,400 MT in CY02. New government excise and prices structures have forced cigarette prices to increase, resulting in declining cigarette consumption from 199 billion sticks in CY01 to 180 billion sticks in CY02. Post estimates cigarette production to decline from 199.3 billion sticks in CY01 to 178.3 billion sticks in CY02. Post estimates dry tobacco leaf production in CY01 is 146,100 MT and 144,700 MT in CY02.

MALAYSIA, October 15, 2002 -- Malaysia's CPO production rose 10.5 percent to 1.12 MMT in August, 2002. Carry-over stock level rose to 1.09 MMT at the end of August. The average local CPO price dropped from US$402/MT in August to US$388/MT in September.

TURKEY, October 15, 2002 -- Rains in September and into October adversely affected Turkish raisin production. Both total production and quality declined to 200,000 MT from 240,000 MT which was our earlier estimate. The production was estimated at 220,000 MT in MY 2001 and 285,000 MT in MY 2000. Turkish raisin exports are estimated lower due to lower supply. The government announced a 56.1 percent import duty for all imported raisins for CY 2002.

AUSTRALIA, October 15, 2002 -- Australia's 2002/03 sultana crop is estimated at 31,000 metric tons, sharply higher than the weather-reduced 2001/02 crop. The 2003/04 crop is forecast to rise to 36,000 metric tons. Sultana imports are expected to drop and exports to rise in both 2002/03 and 2003/04.

EGYPT, October 15, 2002 -- Since the beginning of MY 2002/03, Egypt imported 1,970,000 MT of wheat. French and Australia wheat exports accounted for most of GOE's wheat purchases while the private sector entirely switched to sourcing wheat from non-traditional suppliers, particularly from Russia and Ukraine due to the availability of lower quality wheat at relatively low price. Wheat flour prices at the local level are moving upwards as a result of increasing wheat prices and strong demand for flour during the month of Ramadan.

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.

CANADA, October 15, 2002 -- Crop conditions continued to deteriorate in western Canada since July. Rains and freezing temperatures delayed harvest and downgraded quality. Total 2002 wheat production is down 25% to 15.5 MMT, barley production is down nearly 30% to 7.7 MMT, corn is unchanged at 8.1 MMT, and canola is 33% down to 3.3 MMT. Soybean production for 2002 is up 41%, estimated at 2.3 MMT.

CANADA, October 15, 2002 -- Canada is the second most important export market for U.S. edible fish and seafood after Japan. U.S. fish and seafood sales to Canada during 2001 reached $575 million and marked the fourth consecutive year that they captured a growing share of Canada's expanding import market for edible fish and seafood.

CANADA, October 15, 2002 -- "What's New, Eh?" * China Opens Door Wider to Canadian Pork * U.S. Fishery Product Exporters Capture Growing Share of Import Market * Federal Softwood Lumber Aid Totals C$246.5 Million * Feds to Defend CWB If WTO Case Raised * Canada's Rejection of Cairns Group Triggers Alarm * Ex-Dairy Farmers of Canada President to Chair Dairy Commission * 2002 Wheat, Barley, Canola Down, Soybean Production Up, Says Statistics Canada * Nutrition Bars Have Come a Long Way

SPAIN, October 15, 2002 -- This report contains information about five food-related shows that will take place in Spain during 2003.

SPAIN, October 15, 2002 -- Spain's total catch continues to decline as a result depleted stocks and lower lomits on catches in both EU and non-EU waters. To compensate, seafood imports reached new records in 2001 and are now about 350,000 tons higher than the catch. U.S. seafood exports also reached a record of $71 million in 2001. For CY 2002, imports from the U.S. are expected to drop due to the strong competition, particularly from Canadian lobsters.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 16, 2002 -- The Korean economy is expected to grow about 6.0 percent in 2002, making it East Asia's second-fastest growing economy after China. Total agricultural imports are up 9.4 percent compared to this same time last year; however, imports from the U.S. are flat. The decrease in imports of bulk products, intermediate products and forest products was fairly evenly balanced by increases in consumer-oriented, fish and seafood products.

PAKISTAN, October 16, 2002 -- This report contains the most recent official wheat and rice trade data for Pakistan.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 16, 2002 -- Langqi Island (in Fujian) wants to source new varieties of vegetable seeds from foreign companies for planting. At its invitation, ATO/GZ staff traveled to Fujian Province in late August to meet with the officials of Langqi. Through the outreach, ATO staff feel that Langqi, being an island, could be developed into a testing lab for foreign seed varieties. Interested US seed exporters might visit Fujian to explore the market.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION, October 16, 2002 -- Total Russian fishery production in 2003 is expected to increase by eight percent, to 4.2 million metric tons (MMT), after a six percent decrease in 2002. Russian exports of seafood products are forecast to increase by one percent in 2002 and by 16 percent in 2003. Due to unexpectedly large fish stocks, salmon production and exports are anticipated to grow significantly in 2002, by 22 and 29 percent, respectively. Groundfish production is set to rise slightly in 2002 and 2003 (two and nine percent), while other fish products are expected to remain roughly stable over that period.

PHILIPPINES, October 16, 2002 -- The Philippines has imposed a special safeguard (SSG) duty on onion imports to abate the alleged influx of low priced onions to the country and to protect the local onion industry. Upon evaluating import data from the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has invoked the SSG measure on imports of onions that are found to breach trigger price levels. AgAffairs Office has requested that DA suspend application of the SSG until the trigger price computation methodology has been clarified.

HONG KONG, October 16, 2002 -- Given Hong Kong's huge demand for U.S. agricultural and food products, the dock workers' strike on the west coast of the United States which lasted over 10 days certainly has negatively affected U.S. exports. Export volume was reduced in the past 10 days. Most Hong Kong importers place orders weekly or biweekly, and the strike halted this normal trading pattern.

INDIA, October 16, 2002 -- India's Plant Varieties Protection Legislation is in place, thus fulfilling one of its WTO/TRIPS obligations. With the commercial release of Monsanto's Bt cotton, India has entered the GMO era.

INDIA, October 16, 2002 -- Joint Export Council for rice mooted*, *TRQ allocation norms announced*, *US proposal on trading distorting farm subsidies welcomed*, *High level committee report advocates grain policy reforms*, *Subsidies: EU, USA & India*, *India may face food shortage in 2020*, *California Prune Board launches marketing program*, *TATA group plans entry in food retailing*, *International Conference: Indian organic products: Global markets*, *GM cauliflower developed by Indian scientists*, *Fearing losses soybean oil importers plan re-export*, *Imported ice cream market loses steam cornered by government regulations*.

NETHERLANDS, October 16, 2002 -- The production of potatoes is expected to increase slightly this year. Consumption of fresh potatoes is decreasing while consumption of potato products is growing. Export to traditional target markets like the UK and Germany is growing slowly. New opportunities are to be found in southern, central and eastern Europe. As a result, Dutch french fry manufacturers are expanding processing capacity outside the Netherlands to be close to the potato production and to meet growing demand in these parts of Europe.

NETHERLANDS, October 16, 2002 -- Former AgMinister Brinkhorst's proposals for stricter rules on husbandry for laying hens and broilers and the prohibition of mink farming have been retracted by the new AgMinister Veerman. In addition, Minister Veerman informed the Parliament of plans to delay changes to the manure policy.

COTE D'IVOIRE, October 16, 2002 -- Post forecasts a fall in rice production due to unfavorable rainfall situation and unstable political situation. Rice consumption increased in 2001 and is expected to increase in 2002 due to the rising population, its availability and relatively low price. Rice imports increased in 2001 and expected to continue to increase in 2002 due to the unstable political situation which is adversely affecting the domestic food supply. The U.S. exports of brown rice in 2002 were all on commercial sale and estimated at 21,000 MT.

ITALY, October 16, 2002 -- Italian strawberry production keeps declining, due to continued reducing planted area. Very high labor costs, particularly for harvesting, remain the main reason for that. Italian exports, too, are dropping, due to the strong competition from Spain in the leading European markets.

MOROCCO, October 16, 2002 -- It is still very difficult for Moroccans to identify products relevant to their business in the buyer alert because most speak french. Also, some importers dislike the idea of ceasing opportunities in the BA that are also open to their competitors.

BELGIUM-LUXEMBOURG, October 16, 2002 -- This report provides updated information on the Belgian/Luxembourg food market for U.S. exporters. Its focus are on the Belgian distribution and on consumer-oriented foods.

HONG KONG, October 16, 2002 -- Hong Kong economy remains sluggish in 2002 and more promotional activities are required to maintain the market share of US food products. We will continue our programs of in-store promotions, buying missions to the US, menu promotions and exhibitions to increase the awareness and sales of high quality US food products. We will also work closely with ATOs in China and local market players that have operations in China, to introduce more US food products in the region.

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

MALAYSIA, October 17, 2002 -- No summary available.

SAUDI ARABIA, October 18, 2002 -- All food products are imported by the private sector. The vast majority of food products are subject to a 5 percent import duty. Selected products produced locally in significant quantity carry a 20 percent import duty. Rice, coffee, tea and red meat enter the country duty free. The Saudi market for imported consumer food and edible fishery products increased by seven percent from 1999 to 2000, reaching 2.6 billion U.S. dollars in CY 2000 (total Saudi food and agricultural imports totaled about $5.5 billion in 2000). U.S. exports of consumer-oriented products to Saudi Arabia declined from $125.6 million in CY 1999 to $117.6 million in CY 2000 and to $113.5 in CY 2001.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China 2003 TRQ Implementation Measures for Major Agricultural Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their application with Chinese importers to ensure their interpretation of the regulation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- The following is an UNOFFICIAL translation of MOA Circular 190 and the Interim Measures for Imported Ag GMO Products and should be used as a guide only. Exporters should carefully discuss regulations and their applications with Chinese importers to ensure that their interpretation of the regulation is accurate.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the People's Republic of China MOA Circular 222 and Interim Measures for Ag. GMO Products 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 regulation is accurate.

SINGAPORE, October 18, 2002 -- The Singapore team members were able to experience first hand the harvesting of figs, raisins and pistachios. The Singapore team had a better understanding of the grading processes of various dried fruit and nuts.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- China's food service sector has grown remarkably over the last six years. Rising incomes and changing living patterns have encouraged more people to eat out. Food service in developing coastal cities is beginning to follow the pattern set by Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore, as more Chinese develop a taste for Western food. However, while the market is large, the percentage that can afford imports remains small. While t is complicated and sometimes frustrating to work in the extremely competitive Chinese market, excellent opportunities exist for U.S. exporters.

NETHERLANDS, October 18, 2002 -- This report provides a list of trade show of interest to U.S. exporters.

CHILE, October 18, 2002 -- While Chile's raisin production and exports are expected to remain at similar levels to last year, prunes will expand due to excellent weather and an increase in planted area.

CHINA, PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- This report provides an update on South China current urban market situation, hot prospects for US exporters, plans for Chinese trade teams visiting the United States, select trade shows in South China, and plans for supermarket and restaurant promotions.

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF, October 18, 2002 -- U.S. rye seed exports to Korea are expected to continue to strengthen through 2005 because of a government's plan to encourage farmers to switch from rice to forage production. Korea joined the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants in 2002 and has adjusted its laws to comply with IPR requirements for planting seed. Korea's program of biotechnology research has produced products which are nearing the commercialization stage.

ARGENTINA, October 18, 2002 -- Unscheduled Report

ARGENTINA, October 16, 2002 -- This report provides information on regulations and standards for importing U.S. food and beverages into Argentina. In general, Argentina is an import-friendly country with regulations which are consistently applied, and with which most export-ready suppliers find it easy to comply.

ARGENTINA, October 16, 2002 -- Argentine exports of wheat and corn during May 2002

ARGENTINA, October 16, 2002 -- Argentine exports of oilseed,meal and oil during May 2002

JAPAN, October 17, 2002 --

ESTONIA, October 18, 2002 -- The inflow and fast development of large Nordic/European retail chains into Estonia along with other Baltic countries offer new opportunities for American exporters who can successfully connect with them. With consumer purchasing power on the rise and growing tourism, prospects for increased demand for high-value food imports are viewed as favorable. Estonia hopes to finalize EU accession negotiations by the end of this year and join the union in 2004. New market entrants will have to be aggressive to compete with the more established European suppliers, as their commercial relationships have been built up and maintained over the past decade. Major current constraints to exports of U.S. products include the unfamiliarity of consumers with U.S. grocery products and tariff disadvantages vis-a-vis European suppliers and Estonia's partners of Free Trade Agreements.

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