In other parts of the world, Canada, too, expects a record harvest of 8.3 million tons. The impact of the wet spring that considerably delayed planting was reduced by the large acreage planted to better short season varieties, and by ample moisture. But stronger competition from European and Australian producers is expected to slow Canadian exports to about 2.8 million tons in 1999-00. Record Australian rapeseed production also is forecast at 2.1 million tons, up 0.4 million tons from 1998-99. Harvested area has risen to 1.7 million hectares, more than double the amount planted only two years ago.
China is again likely to import massive amounts of rapeseed for crushing.