ITALY, July 20, 2004 -- Report contains food and agricultural import regulations for Italy. This report supplements GAIN Report E23195 on EU labeling requirements, trade regulations customs and standards. Policies and regulations are flexible, and are subject to change. Exporters are encouraged to work with Italian importers to ensure streamlining of labeling, distribution and import approval.

TAIWAN, July 20, 2004 -- Overall U.S. market share for imported rice slipped below 50 percent primarily because temporary conditions including the scheduling of medium-grain rice tenders late in the year and the specification of milled glutinous and brown long-grain rice in some public tenders. U.S. market share is expected to rise sharply as publicly tendered rice enters Taiwan later in 2004.

ZIMBABWE, July 20, 2004 -- While Zimbabwe still suffers economic and political turmoil, indications are that corn production recovered somewhat in 2003/2004. The crop planted in 2003 is estimated at 900,000 tons, showing an improvement over the previous two seasons. It is still well short of estimated domestic demand of 1.6 million tons. The Government of Zimbabwe is expected to import about 500,000 tons, leaving 200,000 tons to be supplied through food aid. The current wheat crop is estimated at 80,000 tons with the 275,000 tons deficit to be made up for by commercial imports.

PORTUGAL, July 20, 2004 -- Portugal's kiwifruit production for MY 2003/2004 is forecast at 10,000 tons (5 percent above 2002/2003) due to expected improved weather for the season. Imports are expected to remain at the 2002/2003 level of 9,000 tons. Marketing prospects for U.S. kiwifruit are not promising, due to greater availability and stiff competition from EU suppliers.

PORTUGAL, July 20, 2004 -- The Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional (HRI) food service sector expanded significantly during the 80's and 90's due to profound social and economic changes. The HRI sector has become more diverse over the years and holds potential for U.S. food product exports. Ready-to-eat and/or take away foods have grown significantly. Restaurant chains have gained a large share of the market and are expected to continue growing. Tourism is a fundamental piece of the Portuguese economy and consequently to the HRI sector. Changes in menu offerings are leading to a growing taste for international and ethnic foods as well as offerings for health-conscious consumers.

NIGERIA, July 20, 2004 -- Updated on July 13, 2004. Sections updated are IIB, VI, VII, IX and appendix I