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* H&TP News Updated Weekly
October 29, 2004
~NEW~
Codex
Alimentarius Talks Reach Compromise Agreement on Definition of
Reconstituted Orange Juice
October 22, 2004
Codex
Alimentarius Talks Reach Compromise Agreement on Definition of
Reconstituted Orange Juice
For more, see H&TP
News Archive
Oct 28 2004 | Algeria | Annual |
|
Highlight:
Liberalization of the Algerian food Processing
sector provides U.S. suppliers opportunity to sell
agricultural products to the growing Algerian
economy. In some cases processors seek direct
contact with U.S. suppliers. A growing number of
supermarkets can provide outlets for imported high
value products.
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AG4004 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
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Oct 28 2004 | Australia | Annual |
|
Highlight: Dried vine
fruit production is forecast to increase in 2005/06,
assuming average weather conditions. Dried vine fruit
exports in 2005/06 are forecast to increase, while imports
are expected to decline, reflecting the favorable 2005/06
production forecast.
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AS4034 | View
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Oct 28 2004 | Brazil | Mercosul
and Andean Group Agreement |
|
Highlight: Mercosul
and the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) signed an
agreement for an integration of the two blocks, after 10
years of negotiations. The agreement will create the 5th
largest economic trade block in the world with 360 million
consumers, and a GDP around US$ 950 billion. BR4627 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 28 2004 | Ecuador | Annual
Report |
|
Highlight: U.S.
consumer-oriented exports to Ecuador have experienced
significant changes since 2000, when the Ecuadorian
economy was dollarized. In 2003 U.S. exports increased by
48%, due mainly to the rapid development of supermarkets
and food service operations. However, the U.S. has lost
market share from 16% in 2000 to 11% in 2003, mainly to
Peru and Chile, whose exports to Ecuador in the same
period have grown by 548% and 124% respectively. It is
expected that the U.S.-Andean Free Trade Agreement will
improve the competitiveness of U.S. consumer products in
this market.
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EC4010 | View
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the MS Word version |
Oct 28 2004 | Japan | Annual |
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Highlight: Japan's
strawberry production, estimated at 205,000 metric tons in
2003, is slowing down due to labor shortage in some
regions. Domestic strawberries are mostly sold in the
winter and spring, but Hokkaido farmers start harvesting
their strawberries in the summer for sale to Japan's
confectionary industry. The United States exported 3,900
metric tons of fresh strawberries to Japan in 2003, down
3.8 percent from the previous year. These were valued at
$30.34 million (CIF). The California Strawberry
Commission's "summer strawberry" campaign very
successfully promoted California strawberries in Japan's
retail and food service sectors. China is the leader in
sales of frozen strawberries to Japan with a 58 percent
market share. The United States exported 7,697 metric tons
of frozen strawberries to Japan in 2003, down 7.2 percent
from the previous year.
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JA4077 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 28 2004 | Kenya | Annual |
|
Highlight:
Establishment of personal relationships is key in
successfully marketing agricultural products in Kenya.
Once trust is established, a productive working
relationship can be expected. KE4013 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | Australia | Annual ![spacer](/peth04/20041031191635im_/http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/spacer.gif) |
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Highlight: Canning
peach production is forecast to rise sharply in CY 2005,
conditioned on an expected return to more normal weather
conditions. Canning pear production is also forecast to
rise in 2005, albeit at a more conservative rate. Canned
fruit exports are also forecast to rise sharply in CY
2005, in-line with the higher expected production, while
imports are forecast to decline. AS4033 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | Austria | What's
New in Central Europe |
|
Highlight: This
newsletter provides an update on upcoming market
promotions and an overview of recent market trends, trade
policy issues, and commodity analyses for the countries of
Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic,
Hungary, Slovenia, and Slovakia. AU4030 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | Brazil | Annual |
|
Highlight: This
report provides information on procedures related to
importing food products in Brazil and also brings to light
some characteristics of the major importers and their
purchasing criteria. BR4016 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | Burma, Union of | Floods
in Burma and Their Impact |
|
Highlight: Flooding
caused by heavy rains and cyclones in July and August
generated havoc in many areas along some rivers in Burma.
The Meteorology and Hydrology Department reported that the
flood level hit the record high in 30 years. In addition
to widespread damages on houses and infrastructure system
in the country, the disaster reportedly wiped out 200,000
acres of cropland. Many believe that it was too late to
replant the paddy in these affected areas as the monsoon
rain was over in September. As a result, Burmese paddy
production is forecast to drop significantly in MY
2004/05.
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BM4028 | View
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Oct 27 2004 | Canada | This
Week in Canadian Agriculture, Issue 36 |
|
Highlight: * Canadian
Industry Reaction to U.S. Dumping Duty on Live Hogs *
Minister Mitchell Visits Asian Countries in Effort to
Re-Open Beef Markets * Canadian Frozen French Fry Exports
at Record Levels * Ontario Corn Producers May Find
Themselves in an Unenviable Position * Prairie Harvest
Considered Over * Tseshaht First Nation Signs Forestry
Agreement * Ontario Bans Junk Food in Elementary School
Vending Machines * Ontario Sushi Chefs and Aficionados
Happy Again. CA4077 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | EU-25 | EU
Subsidies for the Restructuring and Conversion of
Vineyards |
|
Highlight: The
European Commission recently adopted two decisions on the
restructuring and conversion of vineyards. The first
decision makes an indicative financial distribution of EUR
450 million for MY 2004/2005. The second decision sets the
definitive allocation for MY 2003/2004 at EUR 443 million.
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E34076 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 27 2004 | Germany | Road
Map to the German Market |
|
Highlight: Germany,
with its 82.5 million people, has the world's 4th largest
economy after the U.S., Japan and China and is the leading
market for food and beverages in the European Union. The
fastest growing component of Germany's agricultural
imports from the United States is consumer-oriented
products. Consumer-oriented products comprise 45 percent
of German agricultural imports from the United States. In
2002, Germany's imports of U.S. consumer-oriented products
amounted to $597 million, slightly more than the $537
million imported in 2001. The increase occurred mainly in
fish and fish products.
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GM4041 | View
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Oct 27 2004 | Japan | Foreign
Laboratory Approval Program for Japan |
|
Highlight: The
Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW)
approves foreign laboratories for performing chemical
analysis of food and food-related to be exported to Japan.
Under the program, food and food-related products imported
into Japan are exempted from certain analytical tests such
as those for pesticide residues, food additives and
packaging materials if valid test results are certified by
an MHLW-approved laboratory in exporting countries.
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JA4079 | View
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Oct 27 2004 | Japan | Japanese
Lettuce Price Soars |
|
Highlight: Lettuce
prices have increased dramatically in the Japanese market
due to a significant reduction in domestic production. A
series of typhoons hit Japan in mid October and drowned
many lettuce fields, reducing their shipments by half. The
price of lettuce in Japan is expected to be very high,
prompting increased imports. However, since Japanese
inspectors at the port are very strict, shipping lettuce
to Japan is a risky venture. The inspectors fumigate if
they find any pest, which virtually destroys the lettuce.
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JA4080 | View
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Oct 27 2004 | Kenya | Annual |
|
Highlight:
Establishment of personal relationships is key in
successfully marketing agricultural products in Kenya.
Once trust is established, a productive working
relationship can be expected. KE4013 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 26 2004 | Greece | New
Greek Minister of Agriculture Discusses Seed Testing |
|
Highlight: This
report offers U.S. companies interested in exporting food
and agricultural products to Italy an overview of the
country's economic situation, market structure, and export
requirements, including best product export opportunities.
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GR4029 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 26 2004 | India | Weekly
Highlights & Hot Bites, #41 |
|
Highlight: *Grain
Shortage May Trip Food-For-Work Scheme*, *Government for
Higher Cotton Procurement at the Support Price*, *Aflatoxin-Resistant
GM Peanut Being Developed*, *No Wheat or Rice Exports from
Central Pool Unitl June 2005*, *Taskforce to Submit
Biotech Policy Report Within 3 Months*, *Government May
Not Raise Import Duty on Cotton*, *Traders Oppose FDI in
Retail*, *Recent Reports Submitted by FAS/New Delhi*, *We
Are On The Net*.
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IN4117 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 26 2004 | Italy | Annual |
|
Highlight: This
report offers U.S. companies interested in exporting food
and agricultural products to Italy an overview of the
country's economic situation, market structure, and export
requirements, including best product export opportunities.
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IT4029 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 26 2004 | Russian Federation | $11.3
Billion Food and Agriculture Import Market |
|
Highlight: Exporters
wishing to introduce their products can find willing
buyers, but promotion and commitment are needed. European
competition is strong and entrenched. France will spend $1
million on wine promotions alone. Consumer surveys and
importers suggest that Russia wants more U.S. products as
quality and product diversity become more important. U.S.
exporters are encouraged to discuss with State Departments
of Agriculture, U.S. State and Regional Trade Groups, and
the Foreign Agricultural Service, the promotional support
available. RS4322 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 25 2004 | China, Peoples Republic of | Mainland
China Exporter Guide |
|
Highlight: In 2003,
China Customs reported imports of over $19.6 billion of
agricultural and fisheries products (not including forest
products). U.S. Customs reports agricultural and fisheries
exports of roughly $5.19 billion to China. As incomes
continue to rise, imports are also likely to continue.
Processed and RTE foods continue to gain ground as wealthy
urban consumers seek new ways to save time. Beef and
poultry suffered severe setbacks due to BSE and AI related
trade barriers.
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CH4824 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 25 2004 | Croatia | Annual |
|
Highlight: Croatia
imports a significant portion of its food consumption. The
prospect of EU accession, the growth in tourism, and
continued economic reform could make Croatia a significant
long-term importer of some U.S. food products, including
seafood, wine, pet food and consumer food products.
Croatian imports of consumer food items have almost
tripled from $267 million in 1993 to $748 million in 2003.
Croatian consumers are anti-biotech, and U.S. meat
products may not be exported to Croatia at present.
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HR4019 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
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Oct 25 2004 | France | Annual |
|
Highlight: France is
a major producer and exporter of planting seeds. However,
France has a trade deficit in planting seeds with the
United States. The leading product exported by the U.S. to
France is corn for sowing. The French planting seed
industry, which favors biotechnology, has been affected in
2004 by both French and European factors: first, the
destruction of many test plots by opponents to
biotechnology; second, a large number of regional
governments officially discouraged biotech planting; and
the EU Commission delayed the Regulation process to set
thresholds for the adventitious presence of biotech in
planting seeds. FR4051 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 25 2004 | India | Plant
Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order
Amendment |
|
Highlight: The
Ministry of Agriculture recently posted on its website an
amendment dated October 12, 2004, to its Plant Quarantine
(Regulation of Import into India) Order 2003, effective
immediately. This amendment is likely to have
ramifications on imports of several tissue cultured
plants, planting seeds, and pecan nuts from the U.S. This
amendment has not been notified to the WTO.
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IN4116 | View
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Oct 25 2004 | South Africa, Republic of | Annual |
|
Highlight: South
Africa's 2004 raisins production is expected to increase
by 5% from last year because of increased area harvested.
Thompson seedless raisins are expected to increase because
of more than enough moisture that darkens the sultana
grape varieties. Exports to the U.S. are not expected to
increase significantly because of a huge demand for dried
fruit by the EU. About 90% of the total raisin crop is
destined for exports.
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SF4043 | View
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the MS Word version |
Oct 22 2004 | EU-25 | European
Council adopts Organic Action Plan |
|
Highlight: On October
18, 2004, the European Council unanimously adopted the new
EU Action Plan for Organic Farming. The EU agriculture
ministers requested the Commission to implement the
program without delay.
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E34075 | View
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Oct 22 2004 | France | Annual |
|
Highlight: France is
the largest European producer of canned and frozen sweet
corn, and has a positive trade balance for these products.
U.S. products face strong price competition from Hungarian
products on the French market, especially since EU
enlargement to 25 member states. In MY 2003/04, shipments
to France from Hungary more than tripled. In addition,
U.S. exports of sweet corn to France have suffered from
consumer/retailer mistrust of biotech food products and
from the recent implementation of EU Regulations on
traceability and labeling of biotech products. Several
French importers have stopped buying U.S. sweet corn due
to the demands of these new regulations.
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FR4050 | View
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the MS Word version |
Oct 22 2004 | Saudi Arabia | Update |
|
Highlight: Saudi
Arabia is a $5.3 billion import market for food and
agricultural products, with the U.S. share accounting for
6 percent. While a substantial portion of U.S. exports to
Saudi Arabia are bulk and intermediate products, U.S.
exports of consumer-oriented food products to the Kingdom
reached $121 million in CY 2003. With a young and growing
population, Saudi Arabia is expected to continue to be a
sizeable market for food products in the years to come.
This report provides guidance to U.S. companies that are
interested in exporting high value products to Saudi
Arabia.
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SA4013 | View
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Oct 22 2004 | Thailand | Annual |
|
Highlight: Canned
sweet corn and frozen sweet corn production will likely
increase further in MY 2004, following continued strong
export potential. Also, Thai canned sweet corn exports are
catching up to U.S. canned sweet corn exports. Meanwhile,
canned baby corn production is forecast to continue to
decline due to limited market potential, following strong
competition from relatively cheaper products of major
competitors, such as China.
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TH4116 | View
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the MS Word version |
Oct 21 2004 | Argentina | Annual |
|
Highlight: Calendar
Year (CY) 2005 peach production is forecast at 120,000
Metric Tons (MT) of which 70,000 MT will be processed.
Exports are expected to increase due to high international
prices and low domestic purchasing power. Despite the
lifting of countervailing duties and the lowering of
tariffs, imports will continue to fall due to the combined
effect of high exchange rates and frozen salaries.
Domestic consumption is forecast at the lowest level in
the last three years.
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AR4051 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 21 2004 | EU-25 | EU
Certification Guide |
|
Highlight: U.S.
exporters of agricultural products need certificates to
successfully ship products to European markets. This guide
is intended to provide an overview of legally required
health certificates. It also refers to private
certification initiatives, which are mostly intended to
guarantee quality.
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E34074 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
Oct 21 2004 | Hong Kong | Exporter
Guide |
|
Highlight: Hong
Kong's economy has gradually walked out of the doldrums
since mid-2003. A revived property market, improved
employment and robust inbound tourism have stimulated the
economy as a whole. As such, Hong Kong, being the 5th
largest export market for U.S. consumer-oriented products,
provides good prospects for U.S. exporters. During the
first half year of 2004, both food retail sales and HRI
businesses have improved compared to the same period last
year (retail and HRI sales increased 2% and 12%
respectively). In 2003, Hong Kong's food retail market was
sized at $5.8 billion and HRI at 6.2 billion.
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HK4022 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
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Oct 21 2004 | Japan | Report |
|
Highlight: Japan
invited foreign Embassies to comment on establishment of
maximum residue limits for an insecticide, tolfenpyrad,
and a fungicide, cyazofamid. The deadline for submitting
these comments is October 29, 2004. This proposal will be
open for comments again when it is submitted to the WTO.
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JA4076 | View
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the MS Word version |
Oct 21 2004 | New Zealand | Annual |
|
Highlight: New
Zealand's retail food sector offers U.S. exporters
marketing opportunities for a broad spectrum of
consumer-ready products. The United States is New
Zealand's second largest supplier of processed foods.
Total agricultural exports from the United States to New
Zealand in calendar year 2003 totaled $157 million,
two-thirds consisting of consumer-oriented products. U.S.
exports to New Zealand emphasize fresh fruit, processed
fruit & vegetables, pet food, snack foods and dairy
products.
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NZ4018 | View
the Acrobat version | Download
the MS Word version |
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