required report public distribution date 12 31 2003 gain number ve3016 venezuela sugar annual approved by leanne e hogie us embassy prepared mora paiva highlights consistently imports to supplement domestic production but severe shortages occurred in november of due delays the harvest and issuance import permits availability has improved purchases at controlled price are restricted is forecast down significantly from our earlier estimates as area declined increases efficiencies have not been possible investment upgrading equipment limited controls also provide a disincentive invest this sector continue roughly same level includes psd changes yes trade matrix no caracas ve1 ve table contents executive summary 3 4 policy stocks 5 consumption 6 prices tables series 13
