EGYPT (30 May)
Harvesting of the 2003 wheat crop has started while that of maize will start later in June. The outlook is good as the crops benefited from normal to abundant rains at planting and during growth. About 6.6 million tonnes of wheat are forecast, which compares to the past 5-year average of 6.4 million tonnes. This reflects a slight increase in wheat plantings in line with the Government’s programme to help increase production. An average production of maize is also forecast. An above-average paddy production is anticipated which will increase the country’s rice exports.
Despite the anticipated good wheat output, wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are expected to increase from 6.5 million tonnes last year to about 6.6 million tonnes, in response to strong domestic demand. Maize imports are also expected to increase in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) by some 100 000 tonnes over the 5.3 million tonnes imported in 2002/03 (July/June).