ECUADOR (30 May)
Harvesting of the 2003 first (main) season maize crop, mostly yellow, is underway. Prospects are poor as plantings were affected by dry weather late in 2002 and January 2003 and, subsequently, by intense rains during February and March. Planting of the white maize crop is due to start from June. Adverse weather has affected maize crops for three consecutive years. Aggregate maize production in 2003 is expected to be low.
Wheat imports in marketing year 2003/04 (July/June) are forecast to increase from 460 000 tonnes in the previous year to some 475 000 tonnes. Maize imports should remain at the same high level of 2002 (January/December) of 350 000 tonnes.