EGYPT (17 May)
Harvesting of the 2005 wheat crop has started while that of maize will start later in June. The outlook is good as the crops benefited from favourable climatic conditions at planting and during growth. About 8.3 million tonnes of wheat are forecast, far above the past five-year average of 6.7 million tonnes. This reflects an estimated 15 percent increase in wheat plantings. An above-average paddy production is also anticipated, but the recent appreciation of the Egyptian Pound may affect the country’s rice exports.
Reflecting the anticipated good wheat output, wheat imports in marketing year 2005/06 (July/June) are expected to decrease from 7.3 million tonnes last year to about 6.29 million tonnes. Imports of maize, mostly used as animal feed, are forecast at about 4.5 million tonnes, about 100 000 tonnes less than the previous year.