Crop Explorer - World Agricultural Production (WAP) Briefs - South East Asia


Mar 8 2024 | Philippines Rice: Dry Weather Continues to Impact Production
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2023/24 rice production at 12.3 million metric tons (milled basis), down 2 percent from last month, and 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down 1 percent from the previous year. Yield (rough basis) is estimated at 4.07 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2024 | Philippines Rice: Production Revised Down Due to Dry Weather
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2023/24 rice production at 12.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1 percent from last month and last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down 1 percent from the previous year. Yield (rough basis) is estimated at 4.13 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month, and unchanged from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Dec 8 2023 | Thailand Rice: Dry Season Crop Benefiting from Late Seasonal Rainfall
USDA estimates Thailand rice production for marketing year 2023/24 at 20.0 million metric tons (milled basis), up 3 percent from last month, but down 4 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.65 million hectares, up slightly from last month, but down 4 percent last year. Yield is estimated at 2.85 tons per hectare (rough basis), up 2 percent from last month, but down 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2023 | Brazil Rice: Area and Production Revised Higher
Brazil rice production (milled basis) for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast at 7.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 10 percent from last month, and up 7 percent from the previous year. Harvested area is forecast at 1.55 million hectares (mha), up 11 percent from last month, and up 5 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 7.10 metric tons per hectare (t/ha), down less than 1 percent from last month and 7 percent above the 5-year average. The change this month reflects planted area expanding this season due to favorable market returns relative to recent years. (For more information, please contact Sunita.YadavPauletti@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2023 | Indonesia Rice: Delayed Monsoon Reduces Rice Area Forecast for the Wet Season Crop
USDA forecasts Indonesia marketing year (MY) 2023/24 rice production at 33.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 3 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 11.3 million hectares, down 3 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 4.67 tons per hectare, down slightly from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Sep 12 2023 | Thailand Rice: Extended Dryness Lowers Production Estimates for Second Season Crop
USDA estimates Thailand rice production for marketing year 2023/24 at 19.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1 percent from last month and down 7 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.6 million hectares, unchanged from last month but down 4 percent last year. Yield (rough basis) is estimated at 2.79 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month and 3 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Aug 11 2023 | Philippines Rice: MY 2022/23 Production Revised Up on Higher-than-Expected Quarter 2 Output
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2022/23 rice production at 12.6 million metric tons (milled basis), up slightly from last month, and up 1 percent from MY 2021/22. Harvested area is estimated at 4.9 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from the previous year. Yield (rough) is estimated at 4.13 tons per hectare, up slightly from last month, but down less than 1 percent from the previous season. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jun 9 2023 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Reduced Due to Extended Wetness in MY 2022/23
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2022/23 Malaysia palm oil production at 18.6 million metric tons, down 2 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from MY 2021/22. Harvested area is estimated at 5.50 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from the previous year. Yield is estimated at 3.38 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from previous year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

May 12 2023 | Indonesia Palm Oil: MY 2022/23 Estimated Production Revised Up and Historical Series Revised
USDA estimates Indonesia palm oil production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 at 46.0 million metric tons, up 1 percent from last month and up 10 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 13.5 million hectares, up 8 percent from last month and last year. Yield is estimated at 3.41 tons per hectare, down 6 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov)

Mar 8 2023 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Revised Up
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 at 19.2 million metric tons, up 1 percent from last month and 6 percent from last year. Harvested area estimate remains unchanged at a record 5.5 million hectares, up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.49 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2023 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Rebounds from Last Year
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 at 19.0 million metric tons, up 1 percent from last month and 5 percent from last year. Harvested area estimate remains unchanged at 5.5 million hectares but is up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.45 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month, and 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Dec 9 2022 | Indonesia Palm Oil: MY 2021/22 Estimated Production Lower than Expected
USDA estimates Indonesia palm oil production for market year (MY) 2021/22 at 43.2 million metric tons, down 5 percent from last month and down 1 percent from MY 2020/21. The harvested area estimate remains unchanged at 12.3 million hectares, but it is up 3 percent from the previous year. Yield is estimated at 3.51 tons per hectare, down 5 percent from last month, and down 4 percent from the previous year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2022 | Malaysia Palm Oil: MY 2021/22 Production Estimate Up 2 Percent from MY 2020/21
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at 18.2 million metric tons, down slightly from last month, but up 2 percent from MY 2020/21. Harvested area remains unchanged at 5.5 million hectares, but is up 1 percent from the previous year. Yield is estimated at 3.33 tons per hectare, slightly down from last month, but up 1 percent from the previous year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2022 | Cambodia Rice: Estimated Production Remains High Year-to-Year Despite Prolonged Flooding
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2022/23 rice production at 5.9 million metric tons (milled basis), down slightly from last month, but up 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 3.3 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield (rough) is estimated at a record 2.94 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and 2 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jul 12 2022 | Malaysia Palm Oil: MY 2021/22 Production Estimate Decreases with Slower-than-Expected Return of Migrant Workers
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for market year (MY) 2021/22 at 18.3 million metric tons, down 4 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from last year. The area harvested monthly estimate remains unchanged at 5.45 million hectares but is up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.36 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 8 2022 | Indonesia Corn: Favorable Weather and Prices Lead to Record Production
USDA estimates Indonesia corn for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at a record 12.7 million metric tons, up 6 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 3.9 million hectares, up 8 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 8 2022 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Estimate Increases on Anticipated Return of Workers to PrePandemic Levels
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at 19.0 million metric tons, up 2 percent from last month and 6 percent from last year. Harvested area remains unchanged from last month at 5.45 million hectares but is up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.49 tons per hectare, up 2 percent from last month and 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2022 | Thailand Rice: Second Season Crop Benefits from Favorable Weather
USDA estimates Thailand rice production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at 19.7 million metric tons (milled basis), up 2 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.6 million hectares, up 2 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 2.82 tons per hectare, up slightly from last month and 4 percent above last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Feb 9 2022 | Philippines Corn: Record Quarter Four Output Increases Estimated Production
USDA estimates Philippines corn production for marketing year (MY) 2021/22 at 8.1 million metric tons, up 4 percent from last month, but down 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 2.6 million hectares, up 4 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.12 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month, but down 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2022 | Philippines Rice: Despite Record Quarter Three Output, Production Remains Unchanged Due to Typhoon Damage
USDA estimates Philippines rice production for marketing year 2021/22 at 12.3 million metric tons (milled basis), unchanged from last month, but down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.75 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down less than 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 4.11 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month, but down 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2022 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Adverse Weather Coupled with Continued Labor Shortages Reduces Production Estimate
USDA estimates Malaysia palm oil production for marketing year 2021/22 at 18.7 million metric tons, down 1.0 million tons or 5 percent from last month, but up 0.8 million tons or 5 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 5.5 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.43 tons per hectare, down 5 percent from last month, but up 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Dec 9 2021 | Thailand Rice: Adverse Weather Leads to a Decline in Estimated Production
USDA estimates Thailand rice production for marketing year 2021/22 at 19.3 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.4 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month and last year. Yield is estimated at 2.81 tons per hectare, down less than 1 percent from last month, but up 3 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Nov 9 2021 | Philippines Corn: Quarter Three Production Lower Than Expected
USDA estimates marketing year 2021/22 Philippines corn production at 7.8 million metric tons, down 3 percent from last month and down 7 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 2.5 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down 3 percent from last year. Philippines corn production and area declines are primarily due to unfavorable market prices as imports of feed corn have driven domestic corn prices to low levels. Although local corn production costs have been lower, profit margins have continued to decrease since 2018. Additionally, African Swine Fever has caused a reduction in hog and broiler feed consumption, which has swayed farmers decisions to plant less corn this year. Yield is estimated at 3.12 tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year’s record. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Aug 12 2021 | Vietnam Rice: MY 2020/21 Production Increases on Higher Than Anticipated Yields
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2020/21 rice production at 27.4 million metric tons (milled basis), up 1 percent from last month and last year. Area harvested is estimated at 7.4 million hectares, up slightly from last month but down slightly from MY 2019/20. Yield is estimated at a record 5.96 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and MY 2019/20. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jul 12 2021 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Downward Trend Continues for MY 2020/21 Production
USDA estimates Malaysia marketing year (MY) 2020/21 palm oil production at 18.2 million metric tons, down 2 percent from last month and 6 percent from MY 2019/20. The estimated output would be the lowest since 2015 and on par with the MY 2011/12 production estimate. Harvested area is estimated at 5.4 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.37 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month, and 6 percent from last year. The current yield estimate would mark the lowest since MY 1997/98. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jun 10 2021 | Malaysia Palm Oil: MY 2020/21 Estimated Production Output Lowest Since 2015
USDA estimates Malaysia marketing year (MY) 2020/21 palm oil production at 18.5 million metric tons, down 3 percent from last month and down 4 percent from the previous year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.4 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from the previous year. Yield is estimated at 3.43 tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month and 5 percent from the previous year. The current yield estimate would mark the lowest since MY 1997/98. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2021 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Continues to Decline
USDA estimates Malaysia marketing year 2020/21 palm oil production at 19.0 million metric tons, down 3 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.4 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.52 tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month, and down 2 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2021 | Philippines Rice: Estimated Production Highest on Record
USDA estimates marketing year (MY) 2020/21 Philippines rice production at a record 12.4 million metric tons (mmt) (milled basis), up 2 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Philippines estimated rice production is the highest on record, surpassing the previous record in MY 2017/18 at 12.2 mmt. Harvested area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares (mha), up 2 percent from last month, and up 4 percent from last year. Yield remains a record at 4.10 tons per hectare, down marginally from last month, but up slightly from last year. Yield is up 3 percent from the 5- year average. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2021 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Reduced Due to Negative La Niña Affect
USDA estimates Malaysia 2020/21 palm oil production at 19.6 million metric tons, down 2 percent from last month, but up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.4 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.63 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2021 | Indonesia Corn: Abundant Seasonal Rains Lead to Record Production and Yield
USDA estimates Indonesia 2020/21 corn production at a record 12.1 million metric tons, up 1 percent from both last month and last year. Harvested area is estimated at 3.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but down 3 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 3.27 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2021 | Philippines Rice: Estimated Production Second Highest on Record
USDA estimates 2020/21 Philippines rice production at 12.0 million metric tons (mmt) (milled basis), up 3 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year. Additionally, forecasted rice production is the second highest on record, behind the 12.2 mmt 2017/18 crop. Harvested area is estimated at 4.65 million hectares, up 2 percent from last month and up marginally from last year, but down 1 percent from the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at a record 4.10 tons per hectare, up marginally from both last month and last year and up 3 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2021 | Vietnam Rice: Area Continues Downward Trend
USDA estimates Vietnam’s 2020/21 rice production at 27.1 million metric tons (milled basis), up marginally from last month, but unchanged from last year. Since 2015, production has been mostly trending downward. One of the main factors for the decline in rice production has been attributed to the reduction in rice cultivated area. Harvested area is estimated at 7.4 million hectares, down marginally from last month, but up slightly from last year. Harvested area is down 3 percent from the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 5.87 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month, but down marginally from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Oct 9 2020 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Above Average Monthly Output Continues to Boost Estimated Production for 2019/20
USDA estimates Malaysia 2019/20 palm oil production at 19.2 million metric tons, up 1 percent from last month, but down 8 percent from the previous year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.4 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from the previous year. Yield is estimated at 3.59 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month, but down 8 percent from the previous year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Aug 12 2020 | Vietnam Rice: Lower Area Estimates Result in Reduced Production Forecast
USDA forecasts 2020/21 rice production at 27.0 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1 percent from last month and last year. Area harvested is forecast at 7.4 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month and last year. Yield is forecast at a record 5.84 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jun 11 2020 | Vietnam Rice: Estimated Production Reduced on Lowered Area
USDA forecasts 2020/21 rice production at 27.2 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1 percent from last month and last year. Area harvested is estimated at 7.5 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month and down marginally from last year. Yield is estimated at 5.80 tons per hectare up marginally from last month, but down 1 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

May 12 2020 | Indonesia Rice: Estimated Harvested Area 2019/20 Downward Revision Supported by
USDA estimates Indonesia 2019/20 rice production at 33.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 8 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 11.3 million hectares, down 6 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 4.67 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha), down 3 percent from last month and down marginally from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

May 12 2020 | Malaysia Palm Oil: 2019/20 Estimated Production Down 12 Percent from Last Year
USDA estimates Malaysia 2019/20 palm oil production at 18.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 3 percent from last month and down 11 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.35 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.46 tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month and down 12 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2020 | Indonesia Corn: Delayed Seasonal Rains Reduce Estimated Production Despite Record Are
USDA estimates Indonesia 2019/20 corn production at 11.9 million metric tons, down 6 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 3.8 million hectares, down 3 percent from last month, but up 3 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.13 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2020 | Vietnam Rice: Dryness Results in Lower-Than-Expected Spring Crop Harvested Area
USDA estimates Vietnam 2019/20 rice production at 27.4 million metric tons (milled basis), down 3 percent from last month, but up 25,000 tons from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 7.5 million hectares, down 2 percent from last month and down 30,000 hectares from last year. Yield is estimated at 5.83 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month, but up slightly from last year. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Apr 9 2020 | Thailand Rice: Estimated Production Down 12 Percent from Last Year
USDA estimates Thailand 2019/20 rice production at 18.0 million metric tons (milled basis), down 3 percent from last month and down 12 percent from last year. Area harvested is estimated at 9.96 million hectares, down slightly from last month and down 8 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 2.74 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Mar 10 2020 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Lowest in Past 3 Years
USDA estimates Malaysia 2019/20 palm oil production at 19.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 4 percent from last month and down 9 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.35 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.55 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month and down 10 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Feb 11 2020 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Adverse Weather Conditions Lower Estimated Production
USDA estimates Malaysia 2019/20 palm oil production at 19.8 million metric tons (mmt), down 3 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.35 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.70 tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month and down 6 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Feb 11 2020 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Reduced on Below-Average Rainfall
USDA estimates Indonesia 2019/20 palm oil production at 42.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 1 percent from last month but up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 11.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.62 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov.)

Jan 10 2020 | Thailand Rice: Estimated Production Decreases Due to Area Reductions in Dry-Season Rice
USDA estimates Thailand 2019/20 rice production at 18.5 million metric tons milled basis, down 10 percent from last month and down 9 percent last year. Area harvested is estimated at 10.0 million hectares, down 8 percent from both last month and last year. Yield is estimated at 2.80 million tons per hectare, down 2 percent from both last month and last year. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov)

Jan 10 2020 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Reduced Due to Below Average 2019 Rainfall
USDA estimates Malaysia 2019/20 palm oil production at 20.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 2 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.35 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.83 million tons per hectare, down 3 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. (For additional information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Nov 8 2019 | Malaysia Palm Oil: 2018/19 Estimated Production Benefits from Favorable Weather
USDA estimates Malaysia 2018/19 palm oil production at 20.8 million metric tons (mmt), down 1 percent from last month, but up 6 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 100,000 hectares from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.92 metric tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month, but up 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Nov 8 2019 | Indonesia Rice: Delayed Monsoon Reduces Rice Area Forecast
USDA forecasts Indonesia 2019/20 rice production at 36.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 2 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 12.0 million hectares, down 2 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Yield (rough basis) is forecast at 4.79 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha), down slightly from last month, but marginally up from last year’s estimate of 4.78 mt/ha. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@usda.gov).

Aug 12 2019 | Thailand Rice: Forecast Production Decreases as Dryness Reduces Area
USDA forecasts rice harvested area at 10.9 million hectares, down 1 percent from last month, but on-par with last year. Yield is forecast at 2.85 million tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last month and down slightly from last year. USDA forecasts Thailand 2019/20 rice production at 20.5 million metric tons (milled basis), down 2 percent from last month, but up slightly from last year. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Jul 11 2019 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Increases for 2018/19
USDA estimates Malaysia 2018/19 production at 21.0 million metric tons, up 2 percent from last month, up 7 percent from last year and up 8 percent from the 5-year average. The month-to-month production increase corresponds to favorable weather in the main palm oil producing regions leading to above-average monthly crude palm oil production accumulations, according to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board monthly production statistics. Since January 2019, monthly production, as compared to last year, has been higher than expected as seen in the chart above. Palm oil is harvested every 10 days and requires between 150 to 200 millimeters of rainfall each month to yield normally. Harvested area is estimated at 5.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 2 percent from last year and up 6 percent from the 5-year average. Yield is estimated at 3.96 metric tons per hectare up 2 percent from last month, 5 percent from last year, and 1 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Jun 11 2019 | Thailand Rice: Forecast Production Expected to Increase Due to Expansion in Planted Area
USDA forecasts Thailand 2019/20 rice production at 20.9 million metric tons (milled-base), down 1 percent from last month, but up 1 percent from last year. Although Thailand’s production forecast has increased year to year, the month-to-month decrease is due to lower area as farmers assess farm gate prices for fragrant rice. Thailand rice is cultivated in two seasons, the main (rainy) season beginning in June through July – which represents about 70 percent of total production. The dryseason rice crop is the remaining 30 percent and is mostly irrigated. Total harvested area is forecast at 11.0 million hectares, up slightly from last year. Yield is expected to remain relatively stable at 2.88 metric tons per hectare (t/ha) up from 2.86 t/ha last year. (For more information please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

May 10 2019 | Indonesia Palm Oil: 2019/20 Forecast Production to Increase from Last Year
USDA forecasts Indonesia 2019/20 palm oil production at 43.0 million tons, up 1.5 million (4 percent) from last year. The year-to-year production increase is attributed mainly to area expansion as yield is expected to be slightly down from 2018/19. Mature palm area is forecast at 11.8 million hectares, up 4 percent from 2018/19. Annual yield growth has been significant following the 2015/16 El Niño event where dry weather negatively impacted yields in both Sumatra and Kalimantan–yield from 2015/16 to 2018/19 increased by 17 percent. Yield for 2019/20, however, is forecast at 3.66 tons per hectare down, slightly from last year due to a significant decline in crude palm oil prices during the last quarter of 2018/19 as both large- and small-holder plantations reduced fertilizer applications. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov).

Dec 11 2018 | Thailand Rice: Estimated Production Decreases on Limited Water Supplies
USDA estimates Thailand 2018/19 rice production at 20.7 million metric tons (milled basis), down 2 percent from last month but up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 11 million hectares, down 2 percent from last month but up 3 percent from last year. The month-to-month area change was attributed to insufficient water supplies for the dry-season (second-season) crop in the northern and northeastern regions, which accounts for 10 percent of the total dry-season rice production. The dry-season crop accounts for about 30 percent of total rice production. Reservoir levels in the northern and northeastern regions were reported by Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department at 48 percent lower than last year’s levels due to unusually low rainfall, most notably in the southern part of the northern region. Yield is estimated at 2.86 tons per hectare, down slightly from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Dec 11 2018 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Estimated Production Increased Due to Higher Yield
USDA estimates Indonesia 2018/19 palm oil production at 41.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.0 mmt from last month and up 2.0 mmt from last year. The production increase is driven by high yields as favorable weather has benefited the crop. The estimated yield increase would mark the third consecutive year of rebounding yields following the 2015/16 El Niño event, which hit palmproducing areas in southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. Yield is estimated at 3.67 metric tons per hectare, up 2 percent from last month and up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 11.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 3 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Oct 11 2018 | Philippines Rice: Estimated Production Reduced Due to Typhoon Mangkhut
USDA estimates Philippines 2018/19 rice production at 12.2 million metric tons (milled-basis), down 1 percent from both last month and last year. Area harvested is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, down slightly from both last month and last year. Yield is estimated at 4.01 tons per hectare, unchanged from both last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Justin.Jenkins@fas.usda.gov.)

Apr 10 2018 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Harvested Area Forecast Higher
Indonesia 2017/18 palm oil production is forecast at a record 38.5 million metric tons (mmt), unchanged from last month but up 7 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 11.0 million hectares (mha), up 1.5 million or 16 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.50 tons per hectare, up 3 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Apr 10 2018 | Philippines Rice: Record Forecast Production
USDA estimates 2017/18 Philippine rice production at a record 12.3 million metric tons (mmt) milled basis, up 0.3 mmt or 3 percent from last month and up 5 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 4.9 million hectares (mha), up 0.6 mha or 1 percent from last month and up 3 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 4.02 tons per hectare. The Philippine government has been boosting investments in irrigation services and highyielding variety seed production to fulfill its national rice self-sufficiency goal. This year’s record harvest is attributed to an expansion of irrigated acreage and record crop yields. The overall weather pattern was supportive of excellent crop development and yields, given rainfall was near-to-above normal. Additionally, the Philippines experienced lower-than-normal typhoon activity in 2017, and crop losses were minimal. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Feb 8 2018 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Record Production Estimated
Malaysia’s 2017/18 palm oil production is estimated at a record 20.5 million metric tons (mmt), unchanged from last month but up 9 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at a record 5.2 million hectares (mha), up 0.3 mha or 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.94 tons per hectare, which is up 2 percent from last year. Palm oil yields and production are expected to recover this season as a more favorable rainfall pattern is expected to prevail in all major producing areas. The 2017/18 marketing year began in October 2017 and runs through September 2018. Cumulative monthly palm oil production from October through December 2017 totaled about 1.0 mmt above last year, providing early evidence of a strong recovery. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Jan 12 2018 | Philippines Rice: Higher Area Raises Production
USDA estimates 2017/18 Philippines rice production at a record 12.0 million tons (milled basis), up 0.8 million or 7 percent from last month and up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, tied with the previous record in 2013/14. Area is up 0.3 million or 7 percent from last month and 2 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.96 tons per hectare, up nominally from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov).

Dec 12 2017 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Record Production Estimate
Malaysia’s 2017/18 palm oil production is estimated at a record 20.5 million metric tons, down 0.5 million or 2 percent from last month, but up 9 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at a record 5.2 million hectares, up 0.3 million hectares or 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.94 tons per hectare, which is up 2 percent from last year, but 5 percent below the 5-year average. Palm oil yields and production are expected to recover this season as a more favorable rainfall pattern is expected to prevail in all major producing areas. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Dec 12 2017 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Crop Yields and Production Rebound Strongly
Indonesia 2017/18 palm oil production is forecast at a record 38.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 2.5 million or 7 percent from both last month and last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 9.5 million hectares (mha), up 3 percent from last year, while yield is estimated up 4 percent at 4.05 tons per hectare. Monthly palm oil production rose to record levels from February to September 2017, as trees fully recovered from lingering El Niño-related drought stress. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Jul 12 2017 | Thailand Rice: Beneficial Rainfall and Rising Prices Boost Acreage
Thailand’s 2017/18 rice production is forecast at 20.4 million metric tons (milled basis), up 5 percent from last month and 6 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.7 million hectares, up 2 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 2.89 tons per hectare. Abundant rainfall coupled with adequate irrigation supplies and rising farm-gate prices for rice are encouraging Thai farmers to plant early and expand acreage in 2017/18. Harvested rice area is expected to increase for both wet and dry season crops. Beneficial rainfall during the main wet season planting period of May to June has boosted the outlook for wet season rice yields. Planting was virtually complete in early July, with the bulk of crops currently having adequate to ideal moisture for establishment. The irrigated crop in the Central Plains is reportedly in ideal condition, which will also help raise average wet season yield prospects this year. Dry season rice area is expected to return to normal this year, making a full recovery from two years of drought-reduced plantings. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov).

Jul 12 2017 | Vietnam Corn: Production Revised Higher Due to Increase in Harvested Area
Vietnam’s 2017/18 corn production is forecast at a record 5.6 million metric tons, up 12 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 1.2 million hectares, up 14 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Yield is a record 4.67 tons per hectare. Significant upward revisions in official harvested area estimates from Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development led to an increase in production this month. The growing use of genetically modified corn varieties is underpinning a trend in yield growth for Vietnam. Despite strong domestic demand for feed grains and government programs encouraging corn expansion, farmers are not rapidly increasing acreage, although they are gradually increasing yields. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov).

May 10 2017 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Record Production Forecast for 2017/18
Malaysia’s 2017/18 palm oil production is estimated at a record 21.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.5 million or 8 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at a record 5.2 million hectares, up 0.3 million or 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated below-average at 4.04 tons per hectare, but 2 percent from last year. Palm oil yield and production are expected to recover this season as a more favorable rainfall pattern has prevailed in both East and West Malaysia.

May 10 2017 | Thailand Rice: Near-Average Production Forecast for 2017/18
Thailand’s 2017/18 rice production is forecast at 19.5 million metric tons (milled basis), up 5 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.5 million hectares, up 4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated slightly above average at 2.82 tons per hectare.

Apr 11 2017 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Lower
Indonesia’s 2016/17 palm oil production is estimated at a record 34.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.0 million or 3 percent from last month but up 6 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is also estimated at a record 9.2 million hectares, up 235,000 hectares or 3 percent from last year. Yields are estimated near-average at 3.70 tons per hectare, up 4 percent from last year. Palm oil yields and production are expected to recover this season as a more favorable rainfall pattern has predominated in major producing areas (Sumatra and Kalimantan) following last year’s El Niño. The beneficial moisture is enabling trees to recover from El Niño-related drought stress. Immature oil palm area is estimated at 1.7 million hectares, which should provide nearnormal annual growth for at least the next three to four years. The rate of new plantings, however, has reportedly begun to decline during the past few years, as new regulatory hurdles and drought affected planters’ ability to expand. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Apr 11 2017 | Indonesia Rice: Production Forecast Higher
Indonesia’s 2016/17 rice production is estimated at 37.2 million metric tons (milled basis), up 0.6 million tons or 2 percent from last month, and up 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 12.2 million hectares, up 1 percent from last month and last year. Yield is estimated aboveaverage at 4.78 tons per hectare. Timely and beneficial rainfall during the important wet season growing period (October to March) boosted rice production prospects throughout Indonesia. In addition, government programs targeting national self-sufficiency in rice production are finally showing positive results. The government is providing free hybrid rice seed sufficient to cover approximately 33 percent of total national rice area in 2016/17. It is also providing access to approximately 80,000 hectares of government-owned plantation land for farmers to expand cultivated area. Both programs are reportedly popular on Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan, where the vast majority of rice is cultivated. Beneficial rainfall coupled with higher acreage and an expansion in area covered by high-yielding varieties is expected to boost national average yields. FAS/Jakarta also reports that irrigation supplies are more than adequate to sustain irrigated acreage this year. Irrigated rice area accounts for roughly 85 percent of total harvested area. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Mar 9 2017 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Lingering Effects from El Niño Depress 2016/17 Output
Malaysia’s 2016/17 palm oil production is estimated at 19.5 million metric tons, down 3 percent from last month but still up 10 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at 4.9 million hectares, up 2 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.98 metric tons per hectare, up 8 percent from last year. El Niño-related drought stress during 2015 and 2016 has suppressed palm oil yields, with monthly production running well below normal for the past fifteen months. Palm oil plantation companies reported widespread pollination problems, including lower fresh fruit bunch size and weight, and lower than normal oil content. Roughly 50 percent of total mature acreage in Malaysia experienced 4 to 5 consecutive months of drought conditions in 2015 and 2016, during which rainfall was substantially below the minimum required for normal yields. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Feb 9 2017 | Thailand Rice: Adequate Irrigation Boosts Dry Season Acreage from Last Year
Thailand’s 2016/17 rice production is forecast at 18.6 million metric tons (milled basis), unchanged from last month but up 18 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.1 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 7 percent from last year. Yield is estimated slightly above average at 2.80 tons per hectare. Thailand largely recovered in 2016 from a severe two-year El Niño-related drought, which had substantially reduced irrigation supplies and rice acreage in the country. Bountiful rainfall during the recent summer wet season replenished important reservoirs which supply the agricultural sector and enabled the government to lift restrictions on irrigated rice acreage during the 2016-17 dry-season (November through May).

Jan 12 2017 | Philippine Rice: Area Forecast Reduced Following Typhoons
USDA estimates 2016/17 Philippine rice production at 11.5 million metric tons (milled basis), unchanged from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.6 million hectares, down 0.2 million hectares from last month and marginally lower than last year. Yield is estimated above-average at 3.97 tons per hectare.

May 10 2016 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Record Production Forecast for 2016/17
Indonesia’s 2016/17 palm oil production is estimated at a record 35.0 million tons, up 6.1 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is also estimated at a record 9.2 million hectares, up 235,000 hectares or 2.6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 3.80 tons per hectare, up 3.4 percent from last year as a more normal rainfall pattern is expected, enabling trees to recover from El Niño-related drought stress. There is approximately 1.7 million hectares of immature oil palm area, which should provide near-normal annual growth for at least the next three to four years. The rate of new plantings, however, has reportedly begun to decline during the past two years, as new regulatory hurdles and drought affected planters’ ability to expand.

Dec 9 2016 | Indonesia Corn: Production Increases as Crop Area Expands
Indonesia’s 2016/17 corn production is forecast at 10.2 million metric tons, up 0.6 million or 6 percent from last month but down 3 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 3.5 million hectares, up 0.3 million or 8 percent from last month. Yields are forecast above-average at 2.96 tons per hectare, but down 1 percent from last year’s record level. Heavy rainfall has blanketed Indonesia’s widely dispersed corn producing regions since the main crop was sown in October 2016.

Nov 9 2016 | Philippine Rice: 2016/17 Production Forecast Unchanged Despite Typhoons
USDA estimates 2016/17 Philippine rice production at 12.0 million metric tons (milled basis), unchanged from last month but up 6 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, up 3 percent from last year.

Oct 12 2016 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Lingering Effects from El Niño Depress 2015/16 Output
Malaysia’s 2015/16 palm oil production is estimated at 17.7 million metric tons, down 0.6 million or 3 percent from last month and down 11 percent from 2014/15. Mature oil palm area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, up 2 percent from 2014/15. Yield is estimated at 3.69 metric tons per hectare, down 13 percent from 2014/15. El Niño-related drought stress during 2015 and early 2016 has suppressed palm oil yields, with monthly production running well below normal for the past eleven months. Palm oil plantation companies have reported widespread pollination problems, including lower fresh fruit bunch (FFB) size and weight, and lower than normal oil content. Roughly 50 percent of total mature acreage in Malaysia experienced 4 to 5 consecutive months of drought conditions, and rainfall was substantially below the minimum required for normal yields.

Oct 12 2016 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast to Rebound Owing to Ample Irrigation
Thailand’s 2016/17 rice production is forecast at 18.6 million metric tons (milled basis), up 1.6 million or 9 percent from last month and up 18 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.1 million hectares, up 0.5 million or 6 percent from last month and up 7 percent from last year. Yield is estimated slightly above average at 2.80 tons per hectare. Rainfall during the 2016 wet season has been extremely favorable, breaking the two-year drought while recharging most of the country’s reservoirs. Water storage in major reservoirs at the end of September has surpassed government expectations, and the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) was confident it could supply sufficient irrigation to rice farmers during the upcoming 2016/17 dry season.

Jun 11 2016 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Lingering Effects from El Niño Depress 2015/16 Output
Malaysia’s 2015/16 palm oil production is estimated at 18.75 million metric tons, down 5.7 percent from the previous year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, up 2.4 percent from 2014/15. Yield is estimated at 3.91 metric tons per hectare, down 7.9 percent. El Niño-related drought stress during 2015 and early 2016 has suppressed palm oil yields, with monthly production running well below normal for the past six months.

Mar 9 2016 | Malaysia Palm Oil: El Niño Drought Hinders Palm Oil Yield and Production
Malaysia’s 2015/16 palm oil production is forecast at 19.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.5 million tons or 2.5 percent from last month and down 1.9 percent from last year. Harvested (mature) oil palm area is estimated at 4.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 2.4 percent from last year. The forecast yield of 4.06 tons per hectare is down 4.2 percent from last year.

Mar 9 2016 | Indonesia Rice: Estimated Area and Production Decrease Following Deficient Rainfall
Indonesia’s 2015/16 rice production is forecast at 35.3 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1.0 million tons or 2.8 percent from last month and down 0.7 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 11.7 million hectares, down 4.1 percent from last month and down 1.4 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at an above-average 4.77 tons per hectare.

Mar 9 2016 | Philippines Corn: El Niño-Induced Drought Reduces Estimated Production
Philippines 2015/16 corn production is forecast at 7.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.3 million metric tons or 3.8 percent from last month and down 2.2 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 2.6 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 1.5 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 2.89 tons per hectare, slightly above-average. An El Niño weather event has been influencing the rainfall pattern in Southeast Asia over the past year, and contributed to well-below normal rainfall in major southern corn growing areas on the island of Mindanao. Owing to deficient rainfall in January and February 2016, crops on Mindanao are experiencing severe drought stress. Yield prospects are deteriorating. On average, Philippine farmers produce approximately 2.0 mmt of corn during the 1st quarter (January to March), of which Mindanao accounts for roughly 825,000 tons or 41 percent of the quarterly total. Satellitederived vegetation indices from the MODIS satellite depict extremely poor vegetation conditions in the main 1st quarter corn growing areas on Mindanao. Corn is grown throughout the year in the Philippines, with the 1st and 3rd quarters being the most important.

Feb 9 2016 | Indonesia Corn: El Niño Delays Planting
Indonesia’s 2015/16 corn production is forecast at 9.1 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.5 mmt or 5.2 percent from last month but up 3.4 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 2.96 million hectares, down 5.7 percent from last month but up 0.7 percent from last year. Yields are forecast above-average at 3.07 tons per hectare. An El Niño weather event has been influencing the rainfall pattern in Southeast Asia over the past year, and contributed to a delayed onset of the normal rainy season in Indonesia. Owing to deficient rainfall in October and November 2015, farmers have reportedly been forced to delay corn planting operations in the first producing season which runs from October through March.

Feb 9 2016 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast to Decline Due to Irrigation Shortage
Thailand’s 2015/16 rice production is forecast at 15.9 million metric tons (milled basis), down 3.0 percent from last month and down 15 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 9.5 million hectares, down 0.19 million or 2.0 percent from last month and down 7.9 percent from last year. Yield is estimated well below average at 2.55 tons per hectare. Thailand has experienced a second consecutive year of below-average rainfall, which has the potential to cripple its agricultural sector and slow its economy. Shortages have been widespread, forcing the government to ration water use for agricultural, industrial, and urban consumers for the past 12 months. Less-than-adequate rainfall in 2015 resulted in insufficient recharge of key reservoirs which underpin much of the economy and the country’s drinking water supply.

Jan 12 2016 | Philippine Rice: Production Forecast Higher on Revised Typhoon Losses
Philippine 2015/16 rice production is forecast at 11.5 million tons (milled basis), up 0.25 million tons from last month but down 0.4 million from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 4.65 million hectares, up 0.3 million from last month but down 0.06 million from last year. Yield is estimated above-average at 3.93 tons per hectare.

Dec 9 2015 | Malaysia Palm Oil: El Niño Drought Forecast to Have Modest Production Impact
USDA forecasts 2015/16 palm oil production in Malaysia at a record 20.5 million metric tons, down 0.5 million tons from last month, but up 0.6 million tons from last year. Malaysia’s decrease in production is less severe than in Indonesia.

Dec 9 2015 | Indonesia Palm Oil: El Niño Drought Reduces Production Prospects
Indonesia’s 2015/16 palm oil production is forecast at a record 33.0 million metric tons, down 2.0 million tons from last month and unchanged from last year.

Oct 9 2015 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast to Decline on Irrigation Ban
USDA forecasts 2015/16 Thailand rice production at 16.4 million metric tons (milled basis), down 1.6 million tons (milled) from last month and down 2.4 million tons from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 9.7 million hectares, down 0.55 million hectares or 5.4 percent from last month and down 6.0 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at well below-average at 2.58 tons per hectare.

Aug 12 2015 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast to Decline as Irrigation Reserves Dwindle
USDA forecasts 2015/16 Thailand rice production at 18.0 million tons (milled basis), down 1.0 million tons from last month and down 0.75 million tons from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.2 million hectares, down 0.33 million hectares from last month and down 0.07 million hectares from last year. Yield is estimated below-average at 2.67 tons per hectare. Thailand is in the midst of its wet-season crop, the first of two annual rice-growing periods. Wetseason rice is heavily dependent on monsoonal weather systems, with 70 percent of the crop being totally rainfed. The other 30 percent primarily lies in the Chao Phraya river basin and is irrigated from water stored in mountain reservoirs. The wet-season rice harvest is the larger of two annual crops, normally accounting for 72 percent of total annual production. Wet-season rice area has averaged about 8.8 million hectares since 2007. Thailand is experiencing the second consecutive year of drought, which has the potential to cripple its agricultural sector and slow its economy. Water shortages have been widespread, forcing the government to ration its use for agricultural, industrial, and urban consumers for the past 7 months. Less-than-adequate rainfall in 2014 resulted in insufficient recharge of key reservoirs, which underpin much of the economy and the country’s drinking water supply. The current 2015 summer monsoon or rainy season also started poorly, with well-below normal rainfall occurring in central growing regions during the May-June period. As a result, the government ordered additional reductions in irrigation supply, which reduced area sown to irrigated rice in the 2015/16 wet season. USDA/Bangkok reported this month that the government has issued a policy announcement to farmers concerning the 2015/16 dry-season rice crop. The report stated that owing to critically low reservoirs, it will only distribute 50 percent of the normal dry-season irrigation supply. Cultivated areas nearest the main canals will be targeted for rice production, with more distant fields remaining unplanted. Given these conditions it is unlikely that 2015/16 dry-season acreage will surpass last year’s drought- reduced level. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov)

Jul 10 2015 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast to Decline
USDA estimates Thailand total milled rice production for 2015/16 at 19.0 million tons, down 0.8 million tons from last month but up 0.3 million tons from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 10.5 million hectares, down 0.2 million hectares from last month but up 3 million hectares from last year. Yields are estimated below-average at 2.74 tons per hectare, down 1.1 percent from last year. Poor early season rainfall during the important May-June planting period in Thailand’s Central Plains region has impeded planting operations in a prime irrigated rice growing area. Continued restrictions of irrigation supply have also reduced farmer ability to plant at a normal pace. It is estimated by USDA staff in Bangkok that rice area in this region will decline approximately 160,000 hectares this year as a result of drought and deficient irrigation supply. Overall wet season crop yields are also expected to decline compared to last year owing to the loss of a portion of the country’s high-yielding irrigated crop. USDA/Bangkok also reported that approximately 85 percent of the national rice crop is yet to be planted. These are primarily rainfed crops grown throughout the Northeast and Northern regions. The rainfall pattern during the July-October period is particularly critical this year in determining both wet season crop prospects and dry season irrigation supply. Key reservoirs that support irrigated dry season rice cultivation are currently at historically low levels. These reservoirs, however, are typically replenished during the summer wet season. Therefore the volume, timing and distribution of rainfall during the remainder of the 2015 wet season will largely determine the fate of both seasonal crops. The wet season rice crop typically accounts for 72 percent of total rice production, whereas the dry season crop accounts for 28 percent. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

May 12 2015 | Malaysia Palm Oil: 2015/16 Record Production Forecast
Malaysia’s 2015/16 palm oil production is forecast at a record 21.0 million tons, up 1.2 million tons or 6 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is forecast at a record 4.8 million hectares, up 111,000 hectares or 2 percent from last year. Palm oil yields are forecast to rebound by nearly 4 percent from last year, when adverse weather – including both drought and floods – caused unusually high crop losses in both western and eastern producing areas. Yield for 2015/16 is forecast near the 5-year average of 4.38 tons per hectare. USDA estimates that current immature oil palm area is approximately 0.7 million hectares, which should provide near-normal annual growth for at least four years. However, the rate of re-planting (i.e., the replacement of older trees) has also reportedly increased during the past two years, as both commercial-scale growers and smallholders deal with the glut of very old trees, which are suppressing national yield improvement. Peak yield is between the ages of 10 to 20 years. Between years 20 to 40, yield declines by 20 to 50 percent. According to the Malaysian Palm Oil Board in 2008, it estimated that 22 percent of the total oil palm acreage was over 20 years old. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

May 12 2015 | Thailand Rice: 2015/16 Production Forecast to Rebound to Near-Normal Levels
USDA forecasts 2015/16 milled rice production in Thailand at 19.8 million tons, up 1.05 million tons or 5.6 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 10.7 million hectares, up 4.0 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a near-average 2.81 tons per hectare, up 1.5 percent from last year. Assuming normal rainfall during the upcoming wet-season growing period, major reservoirs should experience healthy recharge rates in 2015, allowing farmers to increase irrigated dry-season area next year. Normal rainfall would also support normal crop yields in the main wet-season crop, which will be sown from May-July 2015. The wet season rice crop typically accounts for approximately 70 percent of total production. Government restrictions on irrigation water distribution and falling domestic rice prices caused farmers to significantly reduce dry season rice acreage in 2014/15. Less restrictive policies may be possible in 2015/16 owing to the anticipated increase in reservoir levels. Given the forecast of a normal rainfall pattern, 2015/16 rice production is expected to increase in both wet and dry seasons, but the most significant growth is forecast for the 2015/16 dry season crop owing to an increase in irrigation supplies that will support both higher sown area and higher yields. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Mar 10 2015 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast Lower as Acreage Declines
Thailand Rice: Production Forecast Lower as Acreage Declines USDA forecasts Thailand’s 2014/15 milled rice production at 19.2 million tons, down 0.4 million tons or 1.8 percent from last month and down 6.4 percent from last year. Area is forecast at 10.4 million hectares, down 0.1 million hectares or 1.0 percent from last month and down 4.8 percent from last year. Yields are estimated at 2.79 tons per hectare, down 0.8 percent from last month and 1.7 percent from last year. Government restrictions on irrigation water distribution and falling domestic rice prices caused farmers to reduce rice area during the winter or dry season. The dry season crop is the second of two annual rice crops. The summer wet season crop accounts for 72 percent of total production while the dry season accounts for 28 percent. Satellite image analysis has confirmed that rice area in February 2015 is much reduced from levels achieved last year in both the central plains and northern regions. These two regions typically account for over 80 percent of total dry season rice production. In the images the areas depicted by red and yellow colors coincide with unplanted barren fields. The total unplanted areas were measured using both MODIS and Landsat satellites for comparison purposes. Given the Landsat satellite has much better spatial resolution, the estimate of unsown area from it is considered more accurate. This analysis indicated that up to 500,000 hectares or 25 percent of land that is normally sown to rice was left fallow this year during the dry season. The planting window for dry season rice extends into late March, with harvest generally occurring from February through June. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov).

Feb 10 2015 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Lower
USDA forecasts 2014/15 palm oil production in Malaysia at a record 20.5 million metric tons, down 0.75 million from last month but up 0.3 million compared to last year. Mature oil palm area is estimated at 4.69 million hectares up 0.16 million or 4 percent from last year. Government authorities have indicated that torrential rainfall and flooding caused lower than expected crop yields and harvest activity in the past few months. December rainfall was especially high, with up to 1,750 millimeters or 70 inches of rain occurring in important growing areas in peninsular West Malaysia. The heaviest accumulations occurred in the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan. The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) reported in January that approximately 184,000 hectares of oil palm plantations were affected by flooding, representing about 18 percent of total planted area in the affected states. Malaysia is currently in the low seasonal production period (Jan-Apr), with yields expected to improve over the next 6 months. However, industry observers also reported that a shortage of skilled plantation labor is hampering harvest operations, while an aging tree population is contributing to lower national yields. Malaysia will soon be entering the period (March-November) when palm oil yield rises. (For additional information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Feb 10 2015 | Thailand Rice: Production Forecast Lower as Acreage Declines
USDA forecasts 2014/15 milled rice production in Thailand at 19.5 million metric tons, down 1.0 million or 4.9 percent from last month and down 4.7 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 10.5 million hectares, down 0.4 million or 3.7 percent from last month and 3.8 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 2.81 tons per hectare, down 1.3 percent from last month and 0.9 percent from last year. Government restrictions on irrigation water distribution and falling domestic rice prices caused farmers to reduce rice area during the winter or dry season. The dry season crop is the second of two annual rice crops, with the summer wet season crop accounting for 72 percent of total production. Satellite imagery analysis has confirmed that rice area in January 2015 is much reduced from levels achieved last year in both the central plains and northern regions. These two regions typically account for over 80 percent of total dry season rice production. The planting window for dry season rice extends into late February, with harvest generally occurring from March through June. (For more information, please contact Michael.Shean@fas.usda.gov.)

Jul 11 2013 | Indonesia Corn: 2012/13 Production Forecast Lower Owing to Heavy Rainfall
The USDA forecasts total corn production in Indonesia for 2012/13 at 8.0 million tons, down 1.0 million or 11 percent from last month and down 10 percent from the previous year. Harvested area is forecast at 3.0 million hectares, down 0.1 million or 4 percent from last month owing to farmers switching some lands to rice during the current dry season. Yield is estimated at 2.67 tons per hectare, down 8 percent from last month and down 6 percent from 2011/12. Wellabove normal rainfall has been occurring over much of the primary corn growing regions for the past several months, coinciding with the normal dry season. The excessive rainfall pattern has encouraged farmers to reduce corn acreage in favor of rice. The overly wet conditions are expected to increase the likelihood of lower yields owing to higher pest and disease problems in the dry season corn crops (2nd and 3rd seasonal crops). The wet conditions are also hampering proper drying and storage of corn harvested in the June/July period, which is the second of three annual crops.

Jul 11 2014 | Vietnam Rice: 2014/15 Production Forecast Higher
USDA forecasts total milled rice production in Vietnam in 2014/15 at 28.2 million tons, up 0.4 million or 1.4 percent from last month and up 0.7 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 7.8 million hectares, unchanged from both last month and last year. Yield is estimated at a record 5.80 tons per hectare, up nearly 1 percent from last year. Statistics from Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) indicate that 2013/14 rice production was higher than previously expected, resulting in an upward revision of approximately 200,000 tons (milled basis). These historical seasonal estimates indicated that farmers achieved higher than expected yields for the spring crop, which is the largest of the three annual rice crops. The spring crop typically accounts for approximately 46 percent of total production, followed by the autumn crop at 35 percent and the winter crop at 19 percent. The new seasonal estimates altered the outlook for potential yields in 2014/15, as Vietnam has been able to achieve steady trend yield growth on an annual basis for the past 20 years.

May 9 2014 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Record Production Trend to Continue
Indonesia’s 2014/15 palm oil production is forecast at a record 33.5 million tons, up 2.5 million or 8.1 percent from last year. Mature oil palm area is also forecast at a record 8.54 million hectares, up 0.425 million or 5.2 percent from last year. Palm oil yields have been steadily rising for 13 consecutive years, and this trend is forecast to continue. Yield is forecast at a record 3.92 tons per hectare, up 2.6 percent from last year. USDA estimates that current immature oil palm area is approximately 2.2 million hectares, which should provide near-normal annual growth for at least the next four years. The rate of new plantings, however, has reportedly begun to decline during the past two years, as growers face new regulatory oversight and legal hurdles in opening new lands. Should this short-term trend continue, it will begin to reduce the historical expansion rate of 0.4 to 0.5 million hectares per year beginning in 2018.

Apr 10 2013 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Yield Growth Continues to Fuel Higher Production
Indonesia’s 2012/13 palm oil production is forecast at 28.5 million tons, up 0.5 million or 2 percent from last month and up 9 percent from last year’s record harvest. Crop yields were higher than previously expected, leading to increased exports and domestic ending stocks. The USDA also increased the 2011/12 palm oil production forecast to 26.2 million tons, up 0.3 million or 1 percent from last month. Indonesia has recorded consistently strong annual trend yield growth, increasing at approximately 3 percent per annum, and the new 2012/13 estimate reflects the maintenance of that expectation. It is estimated that approximately 50 percent of all land sown to oil palm in the country is less than 8 years of age, an early development phase coinciding with rapid growth in yield capacity. This large population of young trees with strongly growing output potential is expected to underpin continued future national yield growth. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Nov 9 2012 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Production Growth to Continue for 2012/13
Indonesia’s 2011/12 palm oil production is forecast at 25.9 million tons, up 0.5 million or 2 percent from last month. Yields were higher than previously expected, leading to increased exports and domestic ending stocks. The USDA also increased the 2012/13 forecast to a record 28.0 million tons, up 1.0 million or 4 percent from last month. Indonesia has recorded consistently strong annual trend yield growth, and the revised 2012/13 estimate reflects expected continued growth. It is estimated that approximately 50 percent of all land sown to oil palm in the country is less than 8 years of age. Yield of oil palm plantings increase steadily up to 8 years of age, plateau from 10 to 20 years and then decline after that. The large population of young trees with strongly growing output potential is expected to underpin continued future national yield growth. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366).

Jul 11 2012 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Lower in 2011/12 and 2012/13
The USDA forecasts total palm oil production in Malaysia in 2012/13 at 18.5 million tons, down 0.5 million or 3 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. This revision is based on poor production results from the current 2011/12 crop season, with the assumption Malaysia will face similar problems in the 2012/13 marketing year, which starts in October. USDA also revised the 2011/12 crop down 400,000 tons from last month. Total monthly palm oil production in Malaysia during the first eight months of the 2011/12 marketing year has been disappointing, with little changed in production from 2010/11. This implies yields will be lower than 2010/11, as area expanded nearly 2 percent in the current marketing year. It is apparent that palm oil yields over the past 5 growing seasons have been declining, with government authorities reporting that a shortage of skilled plantation labor is hampering harvest operations, while an aging tree population is contributing to lower national yields. Malaysia has entered the seasonal period (June-October) when palm oil production rises to its highest levels of the year, and authorities from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) have reported they expect significant improvement in production levels for the remainder of the year. However, extraordinary yields would be required to boost 2011/12 production much above 2010/11 levels. And given the declining yield trend of recent years, USDA lowered its outlook for 2012/13 production. Malaysia has yet to demonstrate that it can resolve the underlying problems affecting national average crop yields. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Apr 10 2012 | Indonesia Rice: Production Forecast Lower Owing to Lower than Expected Yields
USDA forecasts total milled rice production in Indonesia in 2011/12 at 36.3 million tons, down 1.0 million or 3 percent from last month but up 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 12.1 million hectares, down 50,000 hectares or less than 1 percent from last month but up slightly from last year. Rice yields are estimated at 4.72 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Seasonal weather conditions have been highly variable in Indonesia’s primary rice growing regions during the 2011/12 rice growing season, with the harvest of the main season crop just finishing in early April. Indonesia produces 3 annual rice crops with the 2 irrigated dry season crops yet to be planted. Harvest of the first dry season crop will occur in July/August, while the second crop will occur in November/December. Though the general weather pattern has been more favorable than last year, crop yields from the main rainy season harvest did not improve as much as previously expected. The main season crop normally accounts for approximately 60 percent of total production. The small reduction in harvested rice area is attributed to farmers increasing the acreage of secondary crops like corn and soybeans in the upcoming dry season. Production of both of these crops has suffered over the past 2 years, owing to abnormally wet conditions from a persistent La Nina weather pattern. A return to more normal dry season conditions should encourage greater acreage of secondary crops. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Dec 9 2011 | Vietnam: Rice Area and Production Forecast Higher
The USDA forecasts total milled rice production in Vietnam for 2011/12 at 26.2 million tons, up 0.7 million or 3 percent from last month but down 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 7.6 million hectares, up 0.1 million or 1 percent from last month and similar to last year. Rice yields are estimated at 5.54 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month but unchanged from last year. Official seasonal rice crop statistics from Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) indicate that 2010/11 crop area and production were higher than previously expected, resulting in an upward revision of approximately 250,000 tons (milled basis). These historical seasonal estimates indicated that farmers sowed increased acreage during the winter and autumn crops, with the autumn crop area being at a new record high. Area expansion was especially strong in the Mekong Delta, where about 86 percent of the autumn crop is produced. These new area estimates altered the outlook for potential plantings in 2011/12, and USDA revised area and production up accordingly. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Nov 9 2011 | Southeast Asia Rice: Production Forecast Lower Owing to Widespread Flooding
Heavy monsoon rainfall and multiple typhoons have innundated large areas of productive rice lands in Southeast Asia during September and October. Cultivated rice areas stretching from Burma in the west to the Philippines in the east have been negatively affected to varying degrees, with an estimated 2.6 million hectares or 6 percent of the region’s total rice area experiencing flooded conditions. A favorable summer monsoon and tropical cyclone season has prevailed throughout the region since early May, bringing normal to above normal rainfall to most rice growing areas in the region. Thailand, Cambodia, and portions of Laos and the Philippines have experienced well-above normal seasonal rainfall, especially over the past two months as remnants of tropical storms Nesat and Nanmadol brought drenching rains to broad sections of these countries. Recent episodes of large-scale flooding reported in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines can be largely attributed to these late-season tropical weather systems. Though harvested rice acreage will be reduced as a result of flood-related damage to standing crops, rice fields in non-affected areas will have benefitted from the favorable season-long rainfall pattern. Crop yields in areas unaffected by flooding are forecast to have increased relative to last year as a result of near ideal moisture conditions. In addition, farmers in Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos typically grow two rice crops per year, with the dry season crop being irrigated. Rice production from these secondary harvests is expected to be significantly larger than last year, as growers attempt to recoup from losses suffered during the floods. As a result of these somewhat offsetting factors, region-wide total rice production in 2011/12 is currently estimated by USDA at 112.5 million tons, down 2.0 million or 2 percent from last month, and down 1 percent from last year. Total rice area in Southeast Asia is estimated at 45.99 million hectares, down 0.5 million or 1 percent from last month and 1 percent from last year. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Apr 8 2011 | Indonesia Corn: Production Forecast Lower Owing to Heavy Rainfall and Pests
The USDA forecasts total corn production in Indonesia in 2010/11 at 6.75 million tons, down 1.25 million or 16 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 3.0 million hectares, down 0.2 million or 5 percent from last month due mainly to higher rice production on Java. Corn yields are estimated at 2.25 tons per hectare, down 11 percent from last month but similar to last year. Seasonal weather has been highly variable in Indonesia’s primary corn growing regions owing to the La Nina weather system. Above-normal rainfall and a short or non-existent dry season for the second consecutive year encouraged farmers to once again reduce corn acreage in favor of rice cultivation. Farmers have observed increased incidence of pest and fungal disease damage as well as difficulty in drying harvested corn crops. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Apr 8 2011 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Decreased
The USDA forecasts total palm oil production in Malaysia for 2010/11 at 17.5 million tons, down 0.5 million or 3 percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Total monthly production in Malaysia during the first 5 months of the marketing year is reportedly down 1.1 million tons when compared to the same period last year. Government authorities have indicated that adverse weather reduced yields and impeded harvest activity in the past few months. Industry observers also reported that a shortage of skilled plantation labor is hampering harvest operations, while a rapidly aging tree population is contributing to lower national yields. Malaysia is now entering the seasonal period (March-November) when palm oil production rises to its highest levels of the year. Authorities from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) have reported that they expect significant improvement in production levels for the remainder of the year. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Apr 8 2011 | Indonesia Rice: Pest Damage and Excessive Rain Reduce Harvest Prospects
The USDA forecasts total milled rice production in Indonesia for 2010/11 at 36.9 million tons, down 0.6 million or 2 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 12.1 million hectares, unchanged from last month and last year. Rice yields are estimated at 4.8 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Seasonal weather conditions have been highly variable in Indonesia’s primary rice growing regions owing to the persistence of the La Nina weather system during the 2010/11 rice growing season. Above normal rainfall and a short or non-existent dry season have plagued farmer’s ability to reduce pest populations and dry their harvested crops adequately. Farmers have seen a reduction in crop yields and milling rates as a result of the overly wet conditions. Incessant rainfall during the recent dry season also caused farmers to reduce corn cultivation on Java in certain areas. This acreage was instead planted to rice, with some lands now having sown five to six consecutive rice crops without a break. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Feb 9 2011 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Higher
The USDA forecasts Indonesia total palm oil production for 2010/11 at a record 23.6 million tons, up 0.6 million or 3 percent from last month and up 7 percent from last year. Recent analysis by FAS/Jakarta indicates that production, exports, and domestic consumption were higher than previously expected. Domestic industrial and biofuel consumption are both forecast higher, as government programs targeted at expanding these sectors is beginning to have an effect. Current growing conditions are very favorable, with near-normal rainfall in key growing regions of Sumatra and Kalimantan. Trend yield growth of approximately 4 percent is expected this year. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Feb 9 2011 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Lower
The USDA forecasts Malaysia total palm oil production for 2010/11 at a record 18.0 million tons, down 0.6 million or 3 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Seasonal weather conditions have been highly variable across the country, bringing both drier and wetter than normal conditions to key producing areas. It has been reported that harvest operations in Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) were disrupted by torrential rains and flooding which cut road access to mills and hampered timely delivery of palm fruit. Total monthly production in Malaysia from October through December is reportedly down nearly 800,000 tons compared to the same period last year. Government authorities have blamed adverse weather for lower than expected crop yields and harvest delays. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Sep 13 2010 | Indonesia Rice: Production Forecast Lower Owing to Heavy Rainfall and Pests
The USDA forecasts 2009/10 milled rice production in Indonesia at 37.1 million tons, down 1.7 million or 4 percent from last month and down 3 percent from 2008/09. Harvested area is forecast at 12.1 million hectares, up 0.1 million or 1 percent from last month owing to diversion of land from corn production on Java. Rice yields are estimated at 4.75 tons per hectare, down 5 percent from last month. Seasonal weather conditions have been highly variable in Indonesia's primary rice growing regions owing to the transition from El Niño to La Niña weather systems during the 2009/10 rice growing season. Drought in October 2009 delayed the first crop planting window by 4 to 6 weeks. This was followed by eight consecutive months of above normal rainfall that caused a host of problems. Farmers have experienced difficulty in drying harvested crops, and milling rates are suffering as a result. The wet weather has also led to increasing amounts of pest and disease outbreaks, causing a net decline in national rice yields. Above-normal rainfall from April through August, which are generally the dry-season months, resulted in increased abandonment of corn on Java in certain areas. Much of this area was subsequently replanted to rice. Some lands now have been sown with four to five consecutive rice crops without a break.The USDA forecasts 2010/11 milled rice production in Indonesia at 38.0 million tons, down 2.0 million or 5 percent from last month owing to the likelihood that increased disease and pest pressure will prevent the country from achieving normal trend yield growth. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Sep 13 2010 | Indonesia Palm Oil: Production Forecast Lower Owing to Abnormal Rainfall
The USDA forecasts 2009/10 total palm oil production in Indonesia at 21.0 million tons, down 0.5 million or 2 percent from last month but up 2 percent from 2008/09. Seasonal rainfall totals since January have been above normal for the major producing areas in both Sumatra and Kalimantan. These two islands account for approximately 97 percent of total national production. The abnormally wet growing conditions and cloudiness since January have caused crop yields and oil extraction rates (OER) at crushing plants to decline relative to last year. Heavy rains have also reportedly interfered with normal harvesting operations. Recent crop travel by Foreign Agricultural Service staff through the major Indonesian palm oil production regions revealed that both large commercial producers and small farmers expected that production in calendar year 2010 would be lower than last year owing to persistent above normal rainfall. Crushers are reporting lower-than-expected OER from fresh fruit bunches (FFB) harvested between January and August, implying lower overall crop yields. National meteorological forecasts for continued higher-than-normal rainfall through December have convinced most producers that OER yields will remain below normal for at least the next few months. During the past 10 years, Indonesia's annual palm oil production growth rate was 18.5 percent. Current abnormal rainfall conditions are related to the La Niña weather pattern in Southeast Asia.The USDA forecasts 2010/11 palm oil production at 23.0 million tons, down 1.5 million or 6 percent from last month. This crop is forecast on an October to September marketing year, with October 2010 being the first month of the new production season. (For more information, Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

May 11 2010 | Indonesia Palm Oil Production Growth to Continue in 2010/11
Indonesia's 2010/11 palm oil production is forecast at a record 24.5 million tons, up 3.0 million or 14 percent from last year. Strong global palm oil prices over the past year have continued to encourage rapid expansion of palm plantations in the country, with roughly 0.7 million hectares of new acreage coming into production in just the past 12 months. Mature palm area is currently estimated at 5.9 million hectares, out of the total estimated palm area of about 8.0 million. The Indonesian government reports that it is committed to sustainable palm oil production, and intends to double palm oil production capacity to 40.0 million tons over the next ten years. This would require a sustained expansion of palm oil plantations at a rate of roughly 0.7 million hectares per annum. Oil palm expansion is reportedly being targeted to areas in central and west Sumatra, as well as West Kalimantan. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Feb 12 2010 | Indonesia: Rice Output Forecast at Record Level
Indonesia's 2009/10 rice production is forecast at a record 38.8 million tons (milled basis), up 5 percent from last month and up 1 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 12.0 million hectares, down 1 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 5.01 tons per hectare. Indonesia grows three seasonal rice crops each year, with marketing year 2009/10 crops stretching from October 2009 through September 2010. Dry conditions in October and November delayed planting in rainfed rice growing areas by 30 to 45 days, but the major irrigated crop regions were planted in a timely fashion. Though first-crop planting operations were delayed, irrigation supplies have been adequate throughout the country, and little to no damage to crop productivity is expected. USDA personnel toured major growing areas in January and reported generally excellent crop conditions. The El Nino weather pattern, which is credited with the earlier drier than normal rainfall conditions in eastern Indonesia, is currently weakening in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean. As the system wanes, rainfall over the bulk of the country is expected to improve. In addition, most major reservoirs in Indonesia are reporting normal water storage levels, providing additional assurance that subsequent seasonal rice crops will have adequate irrigation supplies. Indonesia's farmers have been significantly expanding acreage under a new high-yielding rice variety (Ciherang), which outperforms the dominant variety planted over the past 40 years (IR-64). As a result, it is expected that Indonesia will be able to maintain recent trend growth in rice crop yields at roughly 2 percent per annum or higher. (For more information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

May 19 2009 | World 2009/10 Crop Area and Production Forecasts
The initial USDA country-level area and production estimates for 2009/10 grains, oilseeds, andcotton are provided this month. In previous years, only the initial grain estimates were releasedin May, but this year estimates for oilseeds and cotton are provided as well.World wheat area for 2009/10 is estimated at 224 million hectares, down less than 1 percentfrom last year. International prices in September 2008, when many Northern Hemisphere wheatproducers were deciding if they would plant, had declined from a year earlier while prices forcorn and soybeans were stronger. Wheat production is forecast at 658 million metric tons, down25 million tons from 2008/09, when excellent growing conditions occurred in many of the majorproducers.World corn area is forecast at 156 million hectares for 2009/10, unchanged from the previousyear. Reports of farmers foregoing corn planting because of high input costs have been receivedfrom many countries. Corn area is not increasing even though corn prices were high relative towheat, and to a lesser extent soybean, during December to February when many farmers weremaking their corn planting decisions. Corn production is forecast virtually unchanged at 788million tons as corn planting in the Northern Hemisphere is underway.World soybean area is forecast at 99 million hectares up 2 million. Production is forecast at 242million tons, up 29 million from 2008/09. Much of the increase results from an expectation ofrecovery in Argentina and Brazil which suffered from extreme drought in major producing areas.World international soybean/corn price ratios from October through December favored corn, buthigher production costs have favored soybeans, which require fewer inputs. (For moreinformation, contact Paul Provance 202-720-0873.)

Oct 10 2008 | Burma: 2008/09 Rice Production Estimated Higher
The USDA estimates Burma rice production for 2008/09 at 9.8 million tons (milled basis), up 0.4million or 4 percent from last month but down 0.9 million or 9 percent from last year. Rice areais estimated to have increased slightly from earlier forecasts following a devastating cyclone inMay. Based on field reports in recent weeks from USDA personnel traveling through thecyclone-ravaged region, it appears roughly 25 percent of rice lands in the worst-affectedprovinces of the Ayeyarwady delta did not get sown during the summer rainy season owing to'storm damage, salt intrusion, and shortages of seed, livestock, mechanical tillers, and fertilizers.Rice yields on the remaining 75 percent of cyclone-affected lands are also in question this year,as widespread problems have been reported concerning poor seed germination, thin cropestablishment, late planting, inappropriate rice varieties sown, low fertility, and increasedoutbreaks of pests. Typically, the summer wet season rice crop makes up roughly 70 percent oftotal rice production, with the other 30 percent coming from the irrigated winter dry season crop.Given the extent of cyclone damage to irrigation infrastructure in the Ayeyarwady delta, it is alsouncertain whether farmers will be able to produce a normal winter rice crop this year. (For moreinformation, please contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Jun 10 2008 | Burma: Post-Flood Rice Impact Analysis - May 30, 2008
Tropical cyclone Nargis struck the heart of Burma's rice growing region in the low-lyingAyeyarwady delta on May 2nd, causing extensive damage to agricultural lands, infrastructure,livestock, and stored food grains. A 12-foot storm surge (tidal wave) accompanied the cyclone,reportedly penetrating 25 to 30 miles inland along the storm's path. Nearly 2,000 square miles ofprime farmland was inundated with salt water and/or heavy rainfall. The affected regionnormally accounts for roughly 60 percent of the nation's rice production. The United Nationsestimates that 2.4 million people were directly impacted by the storm. The outlook for the2008/09 rice crop is very uncertain, as the planting window will close in late July. Little to noactual progress has been made to restore or rehabilitate damaged lands and infrastructure, whilefarmers are yet to be supplied with sufficient food, viable seed, tools, livestock or replacementmechanical tillers and fuel. USDA has conducted a post-flood assessment, which indicates thatas of May 30th floodwaters have receded over a sizable area (300,000 hectares total recovery;490,000 hectares improved since May 5th). However, a month after the cyclone, approximately1.35 million hectares or 77 percent of the original flooded area is still affected by some degree offlooding. Approximately 870,000 hectares has shown no improvement. Because of persistentflood conditions and the fast-closing planting window for rice, USDA expects thatapproximately 700,000 hectares will go unsown in the main monsoon season, thereby reducingoverall rice area in 2008/09. USDA currently estimates 2008/09 Burma rice production at 9.4million tons (milled basis), down 0.6 million from last month and 12 percent from last year.Harvested area is estimated at 6.4 million hectares, down 10 percent from last year. Crop yield isestimated at 2.54 tons per hectare, which is below the 5-year average of 2.63 tons/hectare. (Formore information, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)Afghanistan: Estimated Wheat Production in 2008/09 Declines Owing to DroughtWinter grain growing conditions in much of Afghanistan are significantly worse than last year,owing to prolonged drought and low winter snowfall. The Famine Early Warning System(FEWS NET) reported in March 2008 that much of Afghanistan received 50 to 90 percent lessprecipitation and that both rainfed and irrigated crops would be seriously affected. Field surveysin late spring indicate that about 80 percent of the nation's rainfed wheat crop and 30 percent ofits irrigated crop have been lost due to severe dryness. The irrigated wheat crop relies extensivelyon snowmelt for irrigation supply, and in normal years accounts for roughly 80 percent of totalwheat production. Winter wheat planting normally occurs between mid-September and mid-November, while harvest typically occurs from June to September. USDA estimates Afghanistan2008/09 wheat production at 2.5 million tons, down 1.3 million or 34 percent from last year.Wheat yields are estimated at 1.15 tons per hectare, 18 percent below average. (For moreinformation, contact Michael Shean at 202-720-7366.)

Apr 9 2008 | Indonesia: Record Area Forecast for Corn
Indonesia corn production for 2007/08 is forecast at 7.5 million tons, up 0.5 million or 7 percent from last month and up 0.8 million or 12 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 3.6 million hectares, up 0.2 million or 6 percent from last month and up 0.3 million or 9 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 2.08 tons per hectare, 2 percent above the 5-year average. The combination of high prices, favorable rainfall, and government initiatives are expected to drive corn area to a record level. The U.S. agricultural attaché in Jakarta reports that the rising price of corn will act as an additional incentive for farmers who will be choosing between rice and corn during the second crop season that normally starts in April. In an effort to achieve self-sufficiency in corn production, the government of Indonesia subsidizes the purchase of expensive hybrid planting seed. As a result, the area planted to hybrid seed this season is estimated to increase modestly to over 0.8 million hectares, or 23 percent of total corn area. Most corn farmers in Indonesia continue to use locally produced, lower-yielding seed. (For more information, contact Jim Crutchfield at 202-690-0135.)

Dec 11 2007 | Malaysia Palm Oil: Higher Production Expected in 2007/08
The USDA estimates Malaysias palm oil production for 2007/08 (Oct/Sept) at a record 16.6million tons, up 1.3 million or 8 percent from last year. Harvested (mature) area is estimated at3.8 million hectares, up 3 percent from last year, while yield is expected to increase by 5 percentto 4.35 tons per hectare. Palm oil yield in 2006/07 was affected by serious flooding in December2006 and January 2007 in major palm growing areas.

Aug 13 2007 | Malaysia Palm Oil Output Drops in 2006/07
Malaysia palm oil production for 2006/07 is estimated at 15.35 million tons, down 0.45 millionfrom last month and down 0.13 million from last year due to lower than expected yields.Cumulative monthly production from October 2006 through June 2007 is estimated at 10.77million tons, down 0.19 million from the same period last year. Although production is expectedto increase each month from July through September, total output for 2006/07 is unlikely toreach last years level of 15.48 million tons. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at202-690-0133.)

Apr 10 2007 | Thailand Corn  Lower Area But Higher Yield Expected
Thailands 2006/07 corn production is estimated at 3.8 million tons, down 200,000 or 5 percentfrom last year, due to lower estimated area for the main season crop. Total corn area is estimatedat 1.0 million hectares, down 100,000 hectares or 9 percent from a year ago. The estimated yield of 3.8 tons per hectare is up 4 percent from last year. The year-to-year increase in estimatedyield is attributed to greater availability of high-yield seeds and generally favorable weather.Thailands second crop, accounting for around 10 percent of total corn production, is expected toincrease significantly this year in response to attractive farm-gate prices. (For more information,contact Paulette Sandene at (202)-690-0133)

Mar 12 2007 | Lack of Rainfall Cuts Indonesia Rice Production
Indonesia rice production for 2006/07 is forecast at 33.3 million tons on a milled basis, down0.4 million or 1 percent from last month, and down 1.7 million or 5 percent from last year. Thearea forecast is 11.4 million hectares, down 0.1 million or 1 percent from last month, and down0.4 million or 3 percent from last year. The paddy yield forecast is 4.53 tons per hectare; on amilled basis the yield forecast is 2.92 tons per hectare.The delayed rainy season is expected to reduce sown area on the island of Java, which accountsfor over half of Indonesian rice production. Conditions are reportedly normal on the island ofSumatra, which accounts for about one-fourth of Indonesian rice production. The IndonesianMeteorology and Geophysics Agency recently predicted that the rainy season will end in March,'several weeks later than normal. This will likely result in harvest delays in March and Aprilwhen normally 65 percent of rice is harvested.The main rice crop is sown from November through January and is harvested from Marchthrough May. The smaller crop second crop on Java is sown during July and August and thenharvested during November and December. (For more information, contact Jim Crutchfield at202-690-0135.)

Feb 26 2007 | Vietnam Rice Production Revised Slightly
Small changes were made this month to Vietnams 2006/07 rice area and production estimates.The estimated area of 7.3 million hectares is down 55,000 hectares from last month but similar tolast year. Milled rice production for 2006/07 is estimated at 22.8 million tons (34.5 million,rough basis), up 1 percent from last month but unchanged from last years revised crop. Theestimated yield of 4.72 tons per hectare (rough basis) is up almost 2 percent from last month butclose to last years level. The rice crop in the Mekong River Delta was seriously damaged byinsect pests and diseases during the 2006 growing season. According to preliminary statistics,production dropped by 958,000 tons, mostly from the summer-autumn crop. These losses wereoffset by higher rice output in central and northern Vietnam (up 1.04 million tons), resulting in anet increase of about 85,000 tons for the season. The production shortfall in the Mekong Delta,the source of more than 95 percent of Vietnams exportable rice, led the government to institutea temporary export ban at the end of 2006. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene,202-690-0133).

Jan 12 2007 | Indonesias Lack of Rainfall Reduces Estimated Rice Crop
The 2006/07 Indonesia rice production is forecast at 34.3 million tons on a milled basis, down0.8 million or 2 percent from last month, and down 0.6 million or 2 percent from last year. Thearea forecast is 11.7 million hectares, down 0.2 million or 1 percent from last month, and down0.1 million or 1 percent from last year. The paddy yield forecast is 4.55 tons per hectare (2.93tons per hectare milled).The delayed rainy season is expected to marginally reduce sown area on the island of Java,which accounts for over half of Indonesian rice production. Conditions are reported to be normalon the island of Sumatra, which accounts for about one-fourth of the Indonesian rice production.According to a local analyst, the rain delay in Klatan is the worst in 23 years, and this will pushback planting and subsequent harvesting of rice, the principal crop. Sowing for the main ricecrop occurs from November through January, and it is harvested during March to May. The'smaller, second crop on Java is sown during July and August, and then harvested duringNovember and December. (For more information, contact Jim Crutchfield at 202-690-0135.)

Dec 12 2006 | Philippines: Record Rice Crop Forecast for 2006/07
Philippines milled rice production for 2006/07 is forecast at a record 10.0 million tons, up 0.25 million from last month and up 0.18 million from last year's record crop. Rice area is estimated at 4.14 million hectares, up 1 percent from last year. Philippine rice area has remained relatively stable since 2000/01 at around 4.1 million hectares. The estimated yield of 3.72 tons per hectare is up slightly from last year's record yield. Rice yields in the Philippines have been rising steadily over the past decade in response to better farm management, improved irrigation supplies, and government subsidies for hybrid seeds. These subsidies will expire in 2007, which could limit the expanded use of these higher-yielding seeds. Abundant rainfall and seasonable temperatures led to a bumper rice crop in the first quarter of the 2006/07 marketing year (July-September), which more than offset typhoon-related production losses in the second quarter (October-December). The most recent storm, super-typhoon Durian, destroyed farmland, livestock and poultry, fisheries, irrigation facilities and other infrastructure across northern and central Philippines in late November. According to the Agriculture Secretary, an estimated 37,000 tons of rice was destroyed by the storm. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133

Dec 12 2006 | Record Palm Oil Production in Indonesia and Malaysia
Malaysia's 2006/07 palm oil crop is forecast at a record 16.5 million tons, up 0.6 million from last month and more than 1.0 million from last year's revised production of 15.49 million tons. Palm oil yield is expected to rise in 2006/07 following a slight drop in 2005/06 caused by stressful weather conditions. Palm oil production in Indonesia is forecast at a record 17.2 million tons for 2006/07, up 0.8 million from last month and 1.8 million from last year's revised estimate of 15.4 million. The revision is based on higher estimated area for both years. Planted and harvested area has been increasing rapidly in Indonesia for many years in response to high world edible oil prices and the rising domestic and international demand for biodiesel produced from palm oil. Indonesia is one of the few countries in the world with the land base, labor force, and available capital to significantly increase its production capacity, whereas limited land and labor resources will make further area expansion more difficult in Malaysia. Palm oil yields in Indonesia are improving but still lag behind Malaysia. The yield gap between the two countries is gradually decreasing. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133

Mar 10 2006 | Indonesia Overtakes Malaysia as The World's Largest Producer of Palm Oil
Palm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia has been rising steadily for at least a decade, with production in Indonesia rising at a faster rate. Production in 1996/97 was about 3.6 million tons higher in Malaysia than in Indonesia, but this gap gradually narrowed over the years. In 2004/05, palm oil production reached a record 15.2 million tons in Malaysia, with Indonesia close behind at 14.0 million tons. This year, however, Malaysia palm oil production is expected to drop to 14.8 million, while Indonesia production is expected to reach 15.0 million tons, exceeding Malaysia for the first time in history. Monthly palm oil production in Malaysia was lower than last year from November through February as plants experienced a biological stress after a strong surge in production in 2005. The reduction in yields may also be connected to a delayed response to drought in 2004 and recent heavy rain that hampered the harvesting of palm fruits. Production is expected to recover in the second half of 2006 as trees recover and normal weather returns. In Indonesia, yields have been increasing as recently planted trees reach maturity and oil extraction rates and productivity improve. Indonesia is expected to continue its rapid area expansion efforts, which include plans to establish the world's largest palm plantation (1.8 million hectares) in Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Malaysia is also expected to increase palm area in eastern Malaysia, although a shortage of available land may hinder further area expansion in western Malaysia. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133.)

Sep 1 2005 | Indonesia: Palm Oil Output Expansion Continues
Palm oil output for the last 3 years has been revised upward based on export statistics, domestic use estimates, and data collected from industry sources. The estimates: 2002/03 is up 5 percent to 10.3 million tons ; 2003/04 is up 8 percent to 11.5 million tons; and 2004/05 is up 14 percent to 13.2 million tons. Performance in the sector over the first three-quarters of 2005 has been very strong, confirming earlier predictions that the tsunami in December 2004 would not have a negative effect on production or exports. Growing conditions in the provinces of Riau and North Sumatra, which account for nearly 40 percent of production, continue to be ideal. In addition, yields have increased as newly mature trees in Kalimantan begin providing additional output. The production forecast for 2005/06 was increased 13 percent to 14.2 million tons in keeping with expectations that the sector will continue to grow in the coming year. Palm area in Indonesia has more than doubled in the past 5 years to more than 5 million hectares. The Indonesian government has announced a very ambitious plan to boost palm oil area to 8 million hectares in the next 3 years. The plan includes setting up the worlds largest palm plantation along the Kalimantan/Malaysia border. Covering 1.8 million hectares, the plantation could produce an additional 2.7 million tons a year by 2010. Foreign governments and private business also have made major investments in the palm oil industry in Indonesia. Environmental groups have protested against the rapid expansion of palm plantations and their effect on the tropical forest ecosystem, but the trend seems likely to continue. World palm oil demand has been rising rapidly, especially in the European Union (EU) and China. Domestic use also is increasing, up an estimated 18 percent in the last 3 years. The large increase in Indonesian palm oil output expected in the next several years may come at a fortuitous time. In recent weeks, the price of crude oil has exceeded the prices of soy oil and palm oil on the world market for the first time. This price relationship may stimulate the demand for vegetable oil for biodiesel production, especially rapeseed oil in Europe and soybean oil in the United States. Palm oil may need to be substituted for these oils in the international market as biodiesel production increases. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690- 0133.)

Dec 1 1996 | VIETNAM: RICE PRODUCTION EXPECTED TO DECLINE IN 1996/97
The U.S. agricultural attache in Hanoi reports that Vietnam's rice production for 1996/97 is revised downward from 27.0 to 26.5 million tons (rough basis) because of storm damage and the expected use of higher-quality but lower-yielding varieties. Heavy flooding in the Mekong River Delta reduced quantity as well as quality of the 10th-month crop and will reduce area for the Winter-Spring crop. Also, the typhoon-lashed Red River provinces of Thai Binh and Thanh Hoa suffered damage to about 175,000 hectares of the 10th-month crop, of which about 50,000 hectares were destroyed by tropical storm Nikki in September. The total 10th-month crop for 1996/97 is projected down 5 percent from last year's output. High prices, with little differentiation for quality, induced Vietnamese farmers to plant high-yielding, lower-quality varieties in 1995/96. Favorable weather and the use of low-priced fertilizer resulted in record production of 26.7 million tons, up 2.0 million from 1994/95. The high reliance on low-quality rice varieties led to a shortage of higher-quality rice. Consequently, for 1996/97, farmers are expected to plant higher-quality, lower-yielding varieties and production levels could be lower as a result. VIETNAM: ROUGH RICE AREA, YIELD, AND PRODUCTION 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 Harvested Area (1,000 Ha) 10th Month 2,748 2,684 2,605 2,602 NA Winter-Spring 2,326 2,326 2,421 2,565 NA Summer-Autumn 1,549 1,549 1,742 2,020 NA Total 6,623 6,559 6,768 7,187 7,150 Yield (Kg/Ha) 10th Month 2,739 3,043 2,839 2,947 NA Winter-Spring 3,885 4,516 4,435 4,912 NA Summer-Autumn 3,637 3,635 3,732 3,168 NA Total 3,351 3,705 3,639 3,710 3,708

Nov 1 1997 | INDONESIA: CORN PRODUCTION ESTIMATE LOWERED
Corn production for 1997/98 is estimated at 6.5 million tons, down from 7.0 million in October and equal to the estimate for 1996/97. Area is estimated at 3.5 million hectares, down from 3.6 million in October, and down marginally from 1996/97. Yield is estimated at 1.86 tons per hectare, up slightly from 1996/97. Despite reports of increasing use of hybrid seed, yields have not shown a significant upward trend over the last decade. Rains, marking the end of the dry season in East Java and South Sumatra, normally start picking up in September and October, but have been delayed this year.

Nov 1 1997 | INDONESIA: LONG DRY SEASON REDUCES THIRD RICE CROP
A long dry season this year (attributed to El Nino) has reduced the prospects for Indonesia's third rice crop. The effect on the 1996/97 crop (harvested Jan.-Dec. 1997) was limited by the fact that the rains did not stop until May- June which allowed for an excellent main-season harvest in February-March and conditions were generally favorable for the second-crop rice harvested in July-August. These first two harvests account for just under 80 percent of Indonesia's annual rice production. However, the third crop, grown in the last trimester of the year, was reduced by below normal precipitation. Total production for 1996/97 on a milled basis is estimated at 32.0 million tons, down from the October estimate of 32.9 million tons. Yield is forecast lower as harvested area is estimated unchanged at 11.3 million hectares.

Jan 1 1998 | INDONESIA: DRY CONDITIONS DELAY RICE PLANTING
Planting in Indonesia's major rice-producing areas began almost immediately following the onset of the rainy season in mid-November and will continue through January. The rains normally begin in late September or early October, but started throughout much of the Indonesian archipelago during the second half of November and first part of December. The late start to the planting season means the main-harvest period will be pushed back to April/May from the normal harvest period of February/March. This year's rainy season is still relatively weak, and Indonesia's 1997/98 rice production estimate is lowered this month to an estimated 32.0 million tons (milled basis), down 1.3 million from December. Area is revised lower reflecting a downward revision in 1996/97 harvested area, and yield is estimated at 4.36 tons per hectare, down slightly from last month and 1996/97. Production is estimated 0.5 million tons higher than in 1996/97, but down 4 percent from a record 33.2 million tons produced in 1995/96.

Feb 1 1998 | PHILIPPINES: RICE ESTIMATE LOWER ON DRY WEATHER
The 1997/98 rice production estimate for the Philippines is lowered this month from 7.3 million tons (milled) to 7.0 million because of dry weather. Area harvested for 1997/98 is estimated down 5 percent from 1996/97, to 3.7 million hectares. Production year-to-year is estimated down 4 percent from the 7.3 million ton output in 1996/97. It is projected that there will not be enough irrigation water for the 1997/98 dry-season rice crop (January - June, 1998 ) because of lower-than-normal precipitation during the rainy season (July - December, 1997). Since rainfall from February to May is usually negligible in major rice-growing areas, normal weather cannot be expected to significantly increase the amount of water available through June. All of the production decline in 1997/98 is projected to occur in the dry season with rainy-season production up marginally.

Feb 1 1998 | INDONESIA: UNEVEN RAINS REDUCE PROSPECTS FOR RICE CROP
Although rains began in late November across most of Indonesia, the amounts through January continued below normal and unevenly distributed. The U.S. agricultural counselor in Jakarta reported that rice area planted is less than expected and the amount of water available in the irrigation systems varies widely with some reservoirs full and others empty. The ongoing moisture deficits are affecting the current rice crop and bode poorly for 1997/98 total harvested area and output. The estimate for harvest area is reduced this month by 0.3 million hectares to 11.0 million, while production is lowered by 1.0 million tons (milled basis) to 31.0 million. Yield is estimated at 4.34 tons per hectare (rough basis), down from 4.36 tons last month. Production is down 2 percent from 31.5 million tons produced in 1996/97 due to declines in both area and yield.

Mar 1 1998 | INDONESIA: CORN AND RICE OUTPUT REVISED LOWER
Staff from the USDA agricultural counselor's office at the American Embassy in Jakarta traveled to the food crop production areas in East, Central, and West Java. Corn production, especially in the major producing areas in East Java, have been seriously affected by extended drought. Indonesia's corn output for 1997/98 is estimated at 5.7 million tons, down 0.8 million from last month and down 0.3 million from a revised 6.0 million in 1996/97. The El Nino-induced drought during the latter half of 1997 (affecting the 1996/97 crop) reduced harvested area to 3.2 million hectares, down nearly 0.4 million from last month's estimate. The drought continued to have a severe impact on the 1997/98 crop, which has led to a further reduction in output from last year to 5.7 million tons. Harvested area for 1997/98 is unchanged from last season at 3.2 million hectares. Hybrid corn accounts for an estimated 20 percent of the total corn produced on Java and has an average yield of 7 tons per hectare. Farmers are somewhat reluctant to plant hybrid corn due to the higher cost of production even though revenues can triple. Rice production for 1997/98 is estimated at 30.9 million tons (milled basis), down 0.1 million from last month and 4 percent from last year. The 1996/97 crop is revised upwards this month by 1.0 million tons to 32.5 million. Preliminary data recently released from the Government of Indonesia indicate that the 1996/97 rice area decline was more than offset by an increase in yield. The drop in area, to 11.1 million hectares, was directly related to El Nino and the resulting drought that began affecting the crop in late 1997. A further area decline is estimated for the 1997/98 rice crop, to 10.8 million hectares, due to below-normal rainfall that resulted in late planting. Rice yield is estimated to fall to 4.40 tons per hectare, down from last season's record of 4.47. Yield reductions in key growing areas of Java, Sulawesi, and southern Sumatra are the result of cumulative rainfall from October through mid-February that were 40 to 60 percent of normal. In addition, the delayed harvest of the first crop will push back the planting of the second crop into the May/June period. If monsoon rains end as normal around April, the second crop will be largely limited to irrigated areas--indicating a further decline in rice production. The first rice crop accounts for about 50 percent of the total rice crop; the second 30 percent; and a third crop of 20 percent.

Oct 1 1998 | INDONESIA: PALM OIL NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY WEATHER, FINANCES
Drought, and haze from fires in 1997 have apparently reduced yield prospects for Indonesian palm oil. Additionally, the financial crises is having a dampening affect on plantation expansion. The production estimate for 1997/98 (Oct.-Sep.) is being reduced this month by 0.75 million tons, to 5.0 million, while the estimate for 1998/99 is being reduced 0.5 million tons, to 5.5 million. An unofficial survey of several plantation managers (private and state plantations) indicate that many plantations have experienced yield reductions (in fresh fruit bunches) for the first six months between 30 to 50 percent compared to the same time last year. According to these managers, yields have improved for the months of June and July. Palm oil production for 1998/99 is forecast to rebound somewhat. Reportedly, by the end of July 1998, production has started to pick up again as rainfall has been sufficient and distributed evenly. However, the major impact of drought on palm oil production is often observed 18 to 24 months after dry conditions occur. Another area of concern for next year's production is the high prices of imported fertilizers, the fertilizers used on oil palm trees are mostly imported, except for urea. Industry sources confirm that the expansion in area of oil palm plantations continues, however, at a much slower rate compared to previous years. This year's expansion is estimated to amount only to 60,000 hectares, substantially lower than the 200,000 to 300,000 hectare pre-financial-crisis level. After planting occurs it takes about two and one-half years before harvest of palm fruit begins.

Oct 1 1998 | INDONESIA: RICE OUTPUT FOR 1997/98 DECLINES DUE TO INPUT CONSTRAINTS
Indonesia is estimated to produce 30.6 million tons (milled basis) of rice for the 1997/98 season, down 0.3 million from last month. With the main-season 1997/98 rice already harvested and most of the second-crop harvest completed, only a third, smaller crop remains to be harvested this calender year. After a delayed 1997/98 rainy season of up to 2 and a half months, preliminary main-season harvest results were off during the January - April 1998 cycle. Recent field travel by the U.S. agricultural counselor in Jakarta supported a small reduction this month as their report stated that due to higher fertilizer costs and in some places shortages of inputs, farmers were not able to apply inputs at their normal rates. However, the relative wetness of the current dry season from April - September and more rice planting instead of secondary crops is expected to offset some of the decline due to input constraints. Production during the September - December harvest period is expected to be near an average level. For the 1998/99 season, rice area is forecast to rebound to 11.4 million hectares and production to 33.0 million tons. Because of the late1997/98 rice plantings, the crop seasons are still behind throughout Central and Eastern Java (the areas visited by the U. S. agricultural counselor). As wet conditions in the dry season spurred second-and third-crop plantings, the main-season 1998/99 planting is being delayed slightly in some areas. Access to affordable pesticides and fertilizers will become increasingly important as the season progresses.

Nov 1 1998 | PHILIPPINES: RICE OUTPUT LOWERED DUE TO TYPHOONS
A series of typhoons have adversely affected rice production in the Philippines. Milled rice production for 1998/99 is estimated at 6.9 million tons, down 0.3 million from last month, but up 7 percent from last year's drought affected crop. Area is estimated at 3.8 million tons, down 50,000 hectares from last month, but up 7 percent from last season. Typhoons Babs and Zeb slammed into the Philippines with high winds and heavy rains during the month of October causing area and yield reductions to rice. The damaged occurred as the wet season crop was in the middle of harvest (September to December). The second season rice is harvested in February and April. As communication and infrastructures are restored, and the U.S. agricultural counselor in Manila has more time to assess the impact of the storms, a more complete assessment of the damages will be forthcoming.

Dec 1 1998 | VIETNAM: RICE OUTPUT INCREASED
Vietnam is estimated to produce 18.5 million tons of rice during 1998/99, up 0.5 million from last month, but down 2 percent from last season's revised record level. During 1997/98, farmers faced the enviable combination of high paddy prices and generally favorable weather, according to the U.S. agriculture attache in Hanoi. Despite localized severe dislocations in Central Vietnam, the El Niño effect was largely benign on the primary production centers of the Mekong River Delta (MRD) and Red River Delta (RRD). Vietnam's production for 1997/98 enjoyed a huge boost during the key summer-autumn crop in the MRD, as farmers responded to high prices and expanded planted area to a record 2.1 million hectares. Also, yield rose as farmers, fearing drought later in the season, selected short-cycle, high-yielding varieties. High paddy prices encouraged investment in inputs and better management that in turn improved yields. As of late November, almost 50 percent of the 1998/98 first crop (lua mua, or 10th month crop) has been harvested. The lua mua crop stretches from north to south, but is concentrated in the RRD (23 percent) and the MRD (24 percent). Early reports indicate that the yield has been very good in the RRD, with prices in the RRD softening slightly to about 2,000-2,150 VND/kg ($US1.0 = 13,950VND) due to harvest pressure. Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD) experts anticipate drought will affect the crucial winter-spring crop (harvested Feb-Mar 1999) in the MRD. Accordingly, MARD has advised farmers in low-lying areas to plant by December 15, while farmers in higher, non flood-proneareas should plant by November 15. An estimated 175,000 hectares of the MRD have already been planted to the winter-spring crop. This crop is the primary export crop for Vietnam because of its inherently superior quality characteristics. MARD notes with some caution that pool levels in the Mekong River are currently at the lowest levels in 40 years. In normal years, the rainy season in the MRD is accompanied by flooding from sources up river.

Jan 1 1999 | THAILAND: RICE OUTPUT REDUCED DUE TO UNFAVORABLE WEATHER
Thailand's 1998/99 rice crop is estimated at 14.3 million tons (milled basis), down 0.7 million from last month and down 5 percent from last season. Yield is estimated at 2.35 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month, but near the 5-year average. According to the U.S. agricultural attache in Bangkok, the main crop--accounting for nearly 80 percent of the total-- is below last year's crop for the following reasons. Inadequate rainfall in the lower northeast at the end of the rainy season during the flowering and grain-filling stages reduced yields and unusual rain during the peak harvesting period destroyed some of the crop that was field drying. In addition, an outbreak of brown plant hoppers was reported in some areas in the lower north. However, favorable weather in the north, upper northeast, and central plains compensated for some crop losses. The average milling yield for the main crop seems to be below normal with lower head yield and more broken kernels. Two unusually heavy rain events in late November and a few days of light showers in early December reduced milling quality of this year's crop. In addition, current water levels in the major reservoirs are lower than normal and may hinder planting of the second-rice crop. The Government has already instructed farmers to reduce the area.

Feb 1 1999 | PHILIPPINES: RICE PRODUCTION DOWN, CORN PRODUCTION RISING
According to the U.S. agricultural counselor in Manila, Philippine agriculture took a beating in 1997/98 with rice and corn production dropping by 11 and 16 percent, respectively, from 1996/97. Dry season rice and corn suffered the most from the extended El Niño drought pulling down overall output for the market year. Tight water supplies resulted in considerable shrinkage in area planted to both grains compared to the previous year. Hybrid corn seed utilization in 1997/98 dropped to an estimated 15 percent of all corn planted from the 20 percent utilization rate the previous year. The 1998/99 milled rice production is estimated at 6.7 million tons, down 0.3 million tons or 4 percent from last month, but up 3 percent from 1997/98. In late 1998, three successive typhoons heavily damaged grain production areas on Luzon island. Some, but not total, recovery is predicted for the 1998/99 dry season rice crop. Corn production for 1998/99 is estimated to be 4.8 million tons, up 0.6 million tons or 14 percent from last month, and up 36 percent from last year. Corn production is expected to grow because of increased area planted and better yield. Increased area can be partially attributed to below-normal water levels in major water reservoirs and dams in the first half of 1998/99 which resulted in a shift to corn by some sugar farmers. In addition, the 1998/99 hybrid corn seed use is expected to be at a higher percentage level than last year.

Jan 1 2000 | THAILAND: RECORD RICE ESTIMATE FOLLOWS FAVORABLE RAINFALL
Thailand is expected to produce a record 15.9 million tons of milled rice in 1999/2000, up 0.5 million from last month and up 4 percent from the 1998/99 revised crop. Thailand has a main and a second season crop each year. The main season crop is rainfed, comprising about 80 percent of total production and is harvested from mid-October to late-January. The irrigated second season crop is grown during the dry season, being harvested from April to September. The monsoon began early in 1999, at the beginning of April, and allowed the main season crop to be planted as much as a month ahead of normal. Regular, widespread average to above-average rainfall in all regions caused main season rice to achieve near record yields. Additionally, forecasts indicate area for the second season crop may approach the record levels of 1997/98. Second season crop planting will begin in January, and depends on adequate water levels in the countrys reservoirs. Currently, the combined water supplies at the two key dams controlling water levels in the Northern Region and Central Plain where most of the irrigated crop is grown are roughly 17 percent above the twenty-five year average.

Apr 1 2000 | Thailand: Corn Estimate Falls Following Excessive Rainfall
Thailand is expected to produce 3.8 million tons of corn in 1999/2000, down 7 percent from last months estimate and down 12 percent from 1998/99's crop. Production is down because flooding caused a small loss of area, and the same excessive rain that brought the flooding also harmed yields. Heavy rainfall from September through November 1999 stunted the vegetative growth of corn in part of the country, then rotted the fully-grown corn ears.

May 1 2000 | Burma: Rice Production up Following Good Rainfall
Burma is estimated to equal the record 9.9 million tons of rice (milled basis) in 1999/2000, up 3 percent or 0.3 million tons from last months estimate. Harvested area in Burma is unchanged from last month at 5.8 million hectares. Area has expanded throughout the 1990s because of government programs to bring fallow and virgin land into production. The increased area is mainly in the Irrawaddy, Rangoon, and Pegu divisions, and is used to grow wet season rice. Farmers on the new land are allowed to plant any crop they want during the dry season, and usually chose to plant a non-rice crop such as pulses. Both wet and dry season crops yields suffer from inferior seed quality, a shortage of inputs, and the high cost of inputs when they are available. Yields are estimated to be slightly above average based on favorable rainfall throughout the main wet season, expansion of hybrid varieties, and a government order to increase plant population per hectare.

Jul 1 2000 | Vietnam: Record Rice Crop Expected in 1999/2000
Rice production in 1999/2000 is forecast to be 20.9 million tons, up 2 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. The winter-spring crop is the main crop in Vietnam, and the recently completed 1999/2000 harvest was a record for this crop. Area was slightly higher than originally forecast, and weather conditions were very good for rice this year. Rice crops in Vietnam have been steadily trending upward for the past decade. Vietnam has three rice crops a year: the first crop of the season is the 10th month (rainy season) crop, followed by the winter-spring crop and then the summer-autumn crop.

Oct 1 2000 | Southeast Asia: Rice Production Forecasts Fall Due to Flooding
Thailand rice production in 1999/2000 is estimated at 15.7 million tons (milled), down 0.2 million from last month, but up 0.5 million from 1998/99. Estimated area also dropped 0.1 million hectares from last month, reflecting flood losses to the second crop. Cambodian estimated production for 2000/01 fell 0.2 million tons to 2.3 million, down 0.1 million from 1999/2000. Also, area forecasts declined 0.2 million hectares to 2.0 million, down 0.1 million from 1999/2000 due to flood losses to the main wet-season crop in 2000/01. Laos rice production for 2000/01 is estimated at 0.9 million tons, down 0.1 million tons from both last month and last year. Estimated area fell less than 0.1 million hectares from last month and last year due to flooding of the only rice crop of the year. Since July there has been widespread flooding along the Mekong River in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. However, in the major rice exporting countries of Vietnam and Thailand the flooding has caused only minor damage to the rice crop. While there has been great loss of life and property in both countries, the damage to rice has been limited by both the location and timing of the floods. Cambodia and Laos have experienced much more significant damage to their rice crops, due to different crop growing schedules and less flood-control infrastructure. The Mekong River normally floods every year between late August and November, but this year the monsoon rains started at least five weeks early in July. Extremely heavy rainfall has also caused flood waters along the Mekong River to rise much higher than normal.

Jan 1 2001 | Malaysia: Higher Area and Favorable Weather Boost Palm Oil Output
Malaysia palm oil production is estimated higher this month by 0.3 million tons after being raised in December, also by 0.3 million. This brings forecast output to 11.7 million tons for 2000/01 (Oct. - Sept.), up from 10.5 million last year. The increase is attributed to more area, particularly from plantings in East Malaysia three years ago which are coming into production, and to generally favorable rainfall. Average rainfall levels in Malaysia have been at or above normal for nine consecutive quarters which is very beneficial for the perennial tree crop. On the other hand, excessive levels of rainfall which occurred in September, October, and November 2000 in some growing areas, especially in eastern peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, may lead to disappointing production levels in May, June, and July 2001, because of reduced pollination.

May 1 2002 | Indonesia: Palm Oil Production Revised Upward
Palm oil production for the 2001/02 marketing year is estimated to be 8.8 million tons, up 9 percent or 700,000 tons from last month. The increase this month is a reflection of improvements in plantation productivity, improved security in rural areas, and increased harvested area. Harvested area is estimated at 2.3 million hectares for 2001/02, up 3 percent from a year ago. Since a year ago, the rupiah has gained 30 percent in value against the dollar and is quoted at 9,270 rupiah to the US dollar for April. Consequently, domestic prices for palm oil have been limited and are partly offsetting gains made by higher international prices and improved rural security. For 2000/01, palm oil production is also revised upward, to 7.9 million tons, up 4 percent or 300,000 tons from last month.

Mar 1 2001 | Indonesia: Palm Oil Output Higher Than Expected
Indonesia palm oil production continues to exceed expectations due to excellent weather conditions and large numbers of young trees coming into production. As a result, 2000/01 production is raised this month by 0.6 million tons, to 7.4 million. Output in 2000/01 is 0.7 million tons higher than 1999/2000 output, which was revised higher this month by 0.3 million tons to 6.8 million. Concurrently, 2000/01 palm kernel output is raised this month by 0.2 million tons to 2.2 million.

Apr 1 2001 | Malaysia: Palm Oil Output Estimated Higher
Malaysia palm oil production for 2000/01 (Oct/Sept) is estimated higher this month at 11.9 million tons, up 0.2 million from the March estimate due to the pace of monthly production reported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board. Output in January was reported by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board at 1.06 million tons, 294,000 tons higher than January 2000, and February output was reported at 886,000 tons, 173,000 tons above a year earlier. Average rainfall levels above or near normal for the last ten quarters have been favorable for yields, but high rainfall levels above 300 millimeters per month average in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2000 may have been detrimental. Pollination is inhibited under conditions of heavy and frequent rainfall, and this can reduce the harvest 6 months after the heavy rainfall. Additionally, output in the months ahead may be limited by replanting. Satellite imagery of peninsular Malaysia seems to indicate a higher than normal level of clearing of old palm oil stands has occurred in recent months.

Apr 1 2001 | Indonesia: Corn Production Forecast Decreased
The 2000/01 Indonesian output is forecast at 5.5 million tons, down 0.7 million or 11 percent from last month and from last year. Estimated area is unchanged from last month at 3.0 million hectares. Corn yields were reduced when heavy precipitation occurred during the critical tasseling stage. Poor weather at the start of the season offset the benefits coming from increased hybrid corn seed use in major producing areas, particularly where corn is cultivated for animal feed. Hybrid seed produces up to 10 tons per hectare versus traditional seeds at 2 tons.

Feb 1 2002 | Philippines: Copra Prospects Lifted by Favorable Precipitation
Copra production in 2001/02 is up 19 percent from the previous forecast of 2.1 million tons, to 2.5 million, equal to last years output. Previous estimates forecast a year-to-year decline after two years of good production; however, favorable precipitation has helped boost production prospects. The Philippines tends to receive below average rainfall during an El Niño weather pattern, and above average rainfall during La Niña, but conditions are currently neutral. Around half of the total area planted to coconut trees in the Philippines is located on the southern island of Mindanao. The Philippines is the worlds largest producer of copra (which is used to make coconut oil) accounting for almost 44 percent of world output in 2000/01.

Jun 1 1999 | MALAYSIA: PALM OIL OUTPUT EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
Following unexpectedly large jumps in Malaysian palm oil production in March and April, marketing year 1998/99 output is estimated at a record 9.3 million tons, up 0.4 million from last month and up 0.6 million from the April estimate. The Malaysian Palm Oil Registration and Licensing Authority (PORLA) released data showing palm oil output rose 25 percent from February to March and 27 percent from March to April. This compares to seasonally normal month-to-month rises of 17 percent and 8 percent respectively. Reportedly, PORLA anticipates another strong increase in the month of May. Yield and output declined sharply in 1997/98 following unusually dry weather in the last half of 1997, but yields are now recovering (more rapidly than expected). Better yields, a higher oil extraction rate, and an increase in harvested area have contributed to the growth in output. The improvement in yield in past results from an increase in area reaching peak production, especially in East Malaysia.

Aug 1 1999 | THAILAND: RICE PRODUCTION RISES ON REVISED STATISTICS FROM MINISTRY
Thailands rice production rose this month on both favorable main season rainfall and in light of new official past years statistics from the Thai Ministry of Agriculture. Milled rice production for 1999/2000 rose 0.7 million tons from last month to 15.4 million tons, an increase of 2 percent from last years revised output of 15.1 million. The increase in production is mainly due to increased area, up 0.5 million hectares to 9.8 million.

Sep 1 1999 | THAILAND: RICE PRODUCTION RISES ON REVISED STATISTICS FROM MINISTRY
Thailands rice production rose this month on both favorable main season rainfall and in light of new official past years statistics from the Thai Ministry of Agriculture. Milled rice production for 1999/2000 rose 0.7 million tons from last month to 15.4 million tons, an increase of 2 percent from last years revised output of 15.1 million. The increase in production is mainly due to increased area, up 0.5 million hectares to 9.8 million.

Oct 1 1999 | VIETNAM: EXPANDING AREA AND IMPROVED YIELDS RAISE RICE ESTIMATES
The 1999/2000 rice crop estimate is revised 2 percent higher this month to a near record 19.8 million tons (milled basis) following an upward revision in the 1998/99 crop. The 1998/99 crop was revised upward 3 percent this month to a record 20.0 million tons following a bumper Spring-Autumn crop. There are 3 crops each year in Vietnam: the 10th month (Lua Mua) crop harvested September-November in the North and November-February in the South; the main Winter-Spring crop harvested in June in the North and April-May in the South; and the Summer-Autumn crop harvested in August-October in both the North and South. The Spring-Autumn crop is expected to be even larger in 1999/2000, with area and yield increasing from 1998/99. However, overall harvested area in 1999/2000 is forecast to fall slightly, resulting in slightly lower production numbers than 1998/99.

Oct 1 1999 | THAILAND: CORN OUTPUT INCREASES DUE TO FAVORABLE WEATHER
Estimated corn production in Thailand for 1999/2000 rose 8 percent this month to 4.3 million tons, unchanged from last year. Area is down slightly from last year, but nearly perfect weather this growing season raised yield prospects. The monsoon rains started on time in April and have continued through to the present. While, rainfall diminished for two or three weeks in June, the widespread use of drought-resistant corn varieties kept the overall crop from being damaged. The corn crop is being harvested now and will conclude by the end of October.

Nov 1 1999 | INDONESIA: CORN PRODUCTION INCREASES DUE TO AREA AND YIELD
Estimated corn production in Indonesia for 1999/2000 rose 0.4 million tons this month to 6.2 million tons, but is still down 5 percent from last year. Crop travel by the U.S. agricultural counselor in Jakarta found that producers planted more area to corn than was originally estimated in response to resurgent demand from the poultry feed sector. There is also some replacement of corn for soybeans in East Java. Yield is up slightly in part due to the increased use of hybrid corn. Weather has been favorable in the major corn growing sectors of Java and Sumatra.

Dec 1 1999 | PHILIPPINES: RICE AND CORN PRODUCTION RISE
Estimated milled rice production in the Philippines for 1999/2000 rose 0.3 million tons this month to 7.7 million tons, up 15 percent from last year. Area is unchanged from last month at 4.0 million hectares. Both 1997/98 and 1998/99 were unusually bad years for Philippine rice production as producers planted much lower area because of bad weather and the Asian economic crisis. Yields were also down in those years because of a drop in the high-yielding variety seeds. Estimated corn production for 1999/2000 rose 0.2 million tons this month to 4.5 million tons, but it is still down 8 percent from last year. Area is unchanged from last month at 2.7 million hectares. Favorable weather increased yields for the third quarter, leading to higher production.

Dec 1 2002 | Indonesian Palm Oil Production for 2002/03 Forecast Higher Due to Increased Yields
Indonesian palm oil production for 2002/03 is estimated at 9.5 million tons, up 300,000 tons or 3 percent from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Also this month, the production estimate for 2001/02 was raised 300,000 tons to 9.1 million, while the 2000/01 estimate was increased by 400,000 tons to 8.3 million. All revisions were based on higher estimated yields. Aggressive investment over the past few years has rapidly expanded palm oil area and improved yields as well.

Feb 1 2003 | Thailand: Rice Production is Forecast Lower in 2002/03
Rice production for 2002/03 is forecast at 17.2 million tons (26.06 million, rough basis) down 0.3 million or 2 percent from last years revised estimate of 17.5 million tons (26.5 million, rough basis). Planted area for 2002/03 dropped by 1 percent to an estimated 10.0 million hectares, and the forecast yield of 2.61 ton per hectare is down slightly from a year ago. The Northeastern region grows half the crop in the main production season and was affected by severe drought as the season began and by excessive rain before harvest. As a result, the main paddy crop is forecast to drop by 4 percent, to 13.2 million tons. In contrast, the second paddy crop is expected to increase by 6 percent, to 4.0 million tons. Water supplies are sufficient in the major reservoirs for irrigation, and attractive prices led to an expansion of second crop planted area.

May 1 2003 | Higher Malaysian Palm Oil Production Forecast for 2002/03
Malaysian palm oil production for 2002/03 is estimated at a record 12.0 million tons, up 0.2 million or 2 percent from last month and up 1 percent from a year ago. The Malaysia Palm Oil Board reported that production was down 11 percent in January and 3 percent in February compared to last year, but higher-than-expected production in March brought total production for the quarter up to last years level. Improved yields are expected from April through June, while lagged rainfall has not been favorable for July through September yield, according to rainfall yield models. Total yield for the Oct/Sept 2002/03marketing year may decline slightly from last year, but higher area will cause the production level to rise.

Aug 1 2003 | Malaysia and Indonesia: Palm Oil Production Forecast Higher for 2003/04
Malaysia is the worlds largest palm oil producer, followed by Indonesia. Higher area and improved yields are expected to boost palm oil production in both nations during 2003/04. Malaysias 2003/04 palm oil production estimate was increased to 13.4 million tons, up 0.2 million or 2 percent from last month and up 3 percent from the revised estimate of 13.0 million tons for 2002/03. Despite periods of drier than normal weather, Malaysias quarterly production levels exceeded projections in 2002/03 and are expected to remain high in 2003/04. Indonesias palm oil production estimate for 2003/04 was raised this month to 10.1 million tons, up 0.3 million or 3 percent from last month and up 4 percent from the current years revised production of 9.7 million tons. The weather has been close to normal in Indonesia this year, and projected output assumes continued fair weather. Strong demand, expanding markets, and steady prices for palm oil have encouraged producers in both countries to increase their investment in the palm oil sector. Planted area has expanded, and farmers have reportedly increased the use of fertilizer and other agricultural inputs. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-720-0133)

Mar 1 2004 | Philippines: Higher Corn Area and Production
Philippine corn production for 2003/04 is estimated at 4.8 million tons, up 0.4 million or 10 percent from last month and up 9 percent from last years revised crop of 4.4 million tons. The revision is based on data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. The estimated area of 2.5 million hectares is up 5 percent from last year and signals a reversal in the strong downward trend in planted area since 1990/91. Corn yield is estimated at 1.95 tons per hectare, up 5 percent from last year and the highest on record. Favorable weather in the last quarter of 2003 more than compensated for crop losses from typhoons that hit Luzon last summer. Yields were also boosted by the increasing use of Bt and hybrid corn varieties, which now account for about 20 percent of total corn area. Strong feed demand and high domestic prices are likely to encourage farmers to plant more hybrids next year. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133.)

Mar 1 2004 | Philippines: Rice Production Higher
Philippine rice production for 2003/04 is estimated at a record 9.1 million tons (milled basis), up 0.3 million or 3 percent from last month and up 8 percent from last year. Estimated area was raised slightly this month to 4.12 million hectares. The estimated yield of 3.4 tons per hectare (rough basis) is up 7 percent from last year and the highest on record. According to Philippine government sources, generally good weather and the expanded use of hybrid varieties accounted for the bumper yields in 2003/04. Area and yields have increased steadily over the past 5 years in response to strong government support for rice production. The Philippine Department of Agriculture has set the goal of attaining 97 to 100 percent rice self-sufficiency within a few years. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133.)

Nov 1 2004 | Indonesia: Palm Oil Output Higher on Increasing Area
Indonesias palm oil output for 2004/05 is estimated this month at 11.5 million tons, up 5 percent from last month and 8 percent from last year. Indonesias Minister of Agriculture put planted area at 4.6 million hectares, double the area of 1999. There is a lead time of 3 to 4 years between planting of oil palm trees until fruit is harvested in significant amounts. Indonesian palm oil production has increased an average of 960,000 tons per year over the last 5 years, even though the rate of increase may have been dampened because of the slowed economy starting with the currency crisis of 1998. Economic uncertainty and elevated palm oil export taxes at that time made investing in palm oil plantations more risky and less profitable than would have been the case in a rapidly growing economy. Future oil palm expansion efforts are anticipated to include areas in Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua, in addition to Northern Sumatra where the industry is currently concentrated. (For more information, contact Paul Provance at 202-720-0881.)

Feb 1 2005 | Malaysia: Record Palm Oil Crop Forecast for 2004/05
Palm oil production in Malaysia is expected to reach a record 14.5 million tons in 2004/05, up 500,000 from last month and up 1.1 million from last year. Output in the first quarter of the 2004/05 crop season (October/December 2004) exceeded last years Oct/Dec output by more than 500,000 tons. Government and trade sources attributed the production increase to larger planted area, increased private investment, and improved yield from newly-maturing trees. Malaysia is the worlds largest producer of palm oil, accounting for almost half of global output. (For more information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133).

Mar 1 2005 | Thailand Rice: Drought Hurts Yield in 2004/05
Thailands 2004/05 rice production is estimated at 17.0 million tons (25.76 million tons, rough basis), down 0.4 million from last month and down 1.0 million from last years record crop. The estimated area of 10.2 million hectares is down slightly from last year, and the estimated yield of 2.52 tons per hectare is the lowest in 5 years. The 2004/05 main-crop harvest is complete. The weather during the planting and early growth stages of the crop was favorable, but an abrupt end to the rainy season in October 2004, during the crops reproductive stage, lowered the yield potential. The northeastern region, which accounts for about 60 percent of total main-crop planted area, was most affected by the drought. Main-season production is estimated at 13.1 million tons (19.9 million, rough), down about 0.3 million from preliminary estimates, due to lower expected yield. Last year, Thailand produced a record 13.8 million tons (20.9 million, rough) of main-season rice. Most of Thailands second-season rice crop is cultivated in irrigated areas in the central plain, and yields are normally twice as high as main crop yields. Planting was nearly complete by the end of February. The Thai government had recommended a reduction in second-crop area in order to conserve water, but farmers reportedly increased planted area in 2004/05 in response to attractive domestic prices. Production is estimated at 3.9 million tons (5.9 million, rough), down 0.1 million from last month due to lower projected yield. (For further information, contact Paulette Sandene at 202-690-0133)


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