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WORLD DEVELOPMENTS
Brazil: Leaf production in 2000 was revised upward to 589,000 metric tons because of record yields in southern Brazil. This is a 9-percent increase compared to previous estimates and a marginal decline in production compared to a year ago. Also, producer prices were 7 percent higher than a year ago. BROO16
Malawi: Burley leaf production in 2000 is estimated to increase by 5 to 6 percent, from 111,390 metric tons in 1999 because of normal weather conditions and a stable economy. MI001
Philippines: Normal weather conditions this season resulted in a 3.5-percent increase in production in the Philippines. However, leaf imports are forecast to increase by 17 percent in order to replenish domestic stocks which were drawn down by an 8-percent drop in the 1999 leaf crop. RP0042
Taiwan: The Taiwan Tobacco and Wine Board announced that farmers will be eligible to grow tobacco on 4,394 hectares in 2000, up slightly from 1999. Flue-cured production is forecast to reach 10,985 metric tons, up 13 percent. Sources expect that tobacco subsidies will be discontinued when Taiwan enters the WTO. TW0029
Indian Tobacco Auction Update: The Tobacco Board reported flue-cured sales so far in the State of Andhra Pradesh totaled 67.7 million kilograms at an average price of Rupees 34.25 or US$.76 per kilogram compared to 80.48 million kilogram sold at an average price of Rupees 38.69 or US$.88 per kilogram. Top quality leaf was valued between Rupees 50 to 56 or US$1.1 to 1.25 per kilogram. Auction sales are expected to end by late September.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Auction Update: Zimbabwe's Tobacco Marketing Board reported that 70,000 metric tons of flue-cured tobacco were sold during the first 12 weeks of the auction season for an average price of U.S.$1.53 per kilogram, down 20 percent in volume and 16 percent in value.
Highlights:
USDA Announces 2000 Burley Tobacco Grade Support Rates: The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced grade loan rates for the 2000 burley tobacco crop, based on the price support level of $1.805 price pound. PR 1556.00
Glickman Announces $340 Million to Assist Tobacco Farmers: Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced that USDA will distribute $340 million to compensate tobacco farmers who suffered a reduction of tobacco quota or acreage for the 1999-2000 crop years. PR 0245.00
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