VIETNAM, May 14, 2004 -- Prices have been stable but could increase if Vietnam wins a portion (85,000-115,000 mt of 25% broken rice) of a recent tender by the Philippines.

INDONESIA, May 14, 2004 -- Indonesia's demand for imported cotton is expected to remain relatively stable through 2005, with imports forecast to stay at 2.1 to 2.2 million bales. Growth in import demand is hindered by relatively high cotton prices as well as fierce competition in world textile markets. On the other hand, the sector remains relatively strong, with no expectations for significant a decline in use either. U.S. market share has grown recently, and future advances in U.S. market share with hinge on price relationships, with competing suppliers, particularly Australia.

EU-25, May 14, 2004 -- This weekly report contains data on rice prices in the U.S., Thailand and the EU. It also lists current import duties and export subsidies in the EU. All information will be published as such in the USDA publication "Rice Market News".

KENYA, May 14, 2004 -- During the year 2002/03 production year coffee production and exports were estimated at 55,000 mt and 51,000 mt respectively. A modest production increase is forecast to 60,000 mt for 2003/04. The increase will be attributed to weather and production from non-traditional coffee growing areas. The on going low coffee prices coupled with uncertainty of the on going reforms are still demoralizing the coffee farmers.

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, May 14, 2004 -- The Bosnia and Herzegovina Council of Ministers recently established a State Phytosanitary Administration. The Administration has yet to be organized and staffed. However, it will be in charge of drafting regulations, improving plant health protection, policy issues, serving as the enquiry point and representing BiH internationally. The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations will be the umbrella organization for the Administration.

GERMANY, May 14, 2004 -- Implementation of EU Traceability and Labeling regulations were covered extensively by German media. German Agricultural Ministry and biotech opponents call for labeling of products from animals fed with GMOs. Early in May, the first German test field for biotech wheat had been destroyed.

THAILAND, May 14, 2004 -- Export prices continued to decline in response to further depreciation of the Thai Baht and sluggish fresh demand.

BRAZIL, May 14, 2004 -- Post raised 2003/04 lint cotton production to 1.25 million tons and area to 1.0 million hectares. Exports were lowered to 225,000 tons and imports to 100,000 tons. Production in 2004/05 is forecast at a record 1.5 million tons on 1.25 million hectares. Post forecasts exports at 500,000 tons and imports at 100,000 tons.

PHILIPPINES, May 14, 2004 -- In March 2004, Masterfoods Philippines, Inc., the local distributor of Pedigree brand of dog and cat food, announced a voluntary recall of all Pedigree dry dog and cat food due to food safety problems originating from its Thailand plant. Pedigree is a top pet food brand in the Philippines and led the market prior to the recall with a 70 percent share of dry dog and cat food sold through supermarkets. In the wake of the Pedigree recall, Philippine buyers are actively seeking alternative brands including new pet foods from the United States. U.S. pet food exports to the Philippines have grown significantly in recent years, jumping 12 percent in 2003 to a record $7.2 million.