Featured publications
Journal; magazine; bulletin
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #10, 11 December 2024 - Monthly report on food price trends
11/12/2024
Global wheat prices declined in November 2024, due to increased supplies from the ongoing harvests in the Southern Hemisphere and improved crop production...
Journal; magazine; bulletin
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #9, 13 November 2024 - Monthly report on food price trends
13/11/2024
Global wheat and maize prices continued to increase in October 2024, influenced by unfavourable weather concerns in some main producing areas, transport...
Journal; magazine; bulletin
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #8, 11 October 2024 - Monthly report on food price trends
16/10/2024
Global wheat prices increased in September 2024, driven by concerns over unfavourable weather conditions in a number of key exporting countries. International...
Journal; magazine; bulletin
Oilseeds, Oils and Meals. Monthly price update No. 183, October 2024
10/10/2024
In September 2024, all three FAO price indices tracking the developments of the components of the oilcrops complex appreciated month-on-month. While...
Publications
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #5, 14 June 2023 - Monthly report on food price trends
15/06/2023
International prices of wheat and maize continued to decline in May, while rice prices increased further. The downward trend in wheat prices was mostly due to ample global supplies and subdued import demand, while an expected record crop in Brazil and higher production in the United States of America were largely behind the decline in maize prices. The extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative also contributed to softening world prices.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #4, 10 May 2023 - Monthly report on food price trends
10/05/2023
International prices of wheat and maize declined in April 2023 while rice prices increased. Ample supplies, strong export competition and generally favourable crop conditions in the European Union weighed on wheat prices, while ongoing harvests in South America underpinned the decline in maize prices. Rice export quotations reversed most of the declines that they registered in March 2023.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #3, 14 April 2023 - Monthly report on food price trends
14/04/2023
International prices of all major cereals declined in March. World wheat prices fell significantly, reflecting ample supplies, strong export competition and the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI). A mix of factors, including ongoing harvests in South America, expected record output in Brazil and currency depreciation in Argentina, led to a decline in maize prices.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #2, 10 March 2023 - Monthly report on food price trends
10/03/2023
After edging down for the past three months, international prices of wheat firmed marginally in February, mostly reflecting strong demand and concerns over dry weather conditions in some major exporters. World maize prices were nearly unchanged in February, with mixed price trends among the major exporters. International rice prices eased in February, amid exchange rate movements and a slowdown in trading activities in most major Asian exporters.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #1, 10 February 2023 - Monthly report on food price trends
10/02/2023
International prices of wheat fell again in January, as the short-term outlook for global supplies continued to improve, in particular following latest estimates of larger 2022 outputs in Australia and the Russian Federation than earlier expected. By contrast, international coarse grain prices firmed marginally, mostly reflecting the continued strong demand for maize supplies from Brazil.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Tool V4
02/01/2023
Movements in agricultural commodity and food prices are indicators of changes in the fundamentals of supply and demand. As such, their levels are indicative of market imbalances that, for example, can portend to worsening food security. The timely monitoring of prices is also important for assessing the functioning and efficiency of international and national markets. Transparent and timely market information is a basis for evidence-based decision making and food security strategies.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #10, 14 December 2022 - Monthly Report on Food Price Trends
14/12/2022
International prices of wheat and maize fell in November, both influenced by the extension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Greater export competition and low demand for supplies from the United States of America contributed to the fall in wheat prices, while in the same country, improved logistics and higher seasonal availability also helped ease maize prices.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #9, 11 November 2022 - Monthly Report on Food Price Trends
11/11/2022
International prices of all major cereals increased in October. Uncertainty regarding the Black Sea Grain Initiative and production concerns in some major exporting countries were the main drivers behind the month-on-month increases for both wheat and maize world prices. International rice prices also rose in October, although subdued import demand tended to limit the increases.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #8, 12 October 2022 - Monthly Report on Food Price Trends
12/10/2022
International cereal prices increased in September. The month-on-month increase in international wheat prices mostly reflected uncertainty regarding Ukraine’s exports past November, unfavourable weather conditions in the United States of America and higher pressure on supplies in the European Union.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #7, 14 September 2022
14/09/2022
International wheat prices continued to ease in August, influenced by increased availability from ongoing harvests and the resumption of exports from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. By contrast, maize prices firmed mostly on strong demand for supplies from Argentina and Brazil amidst a tighter global supply outlook and pressure from energy markets. World rice prices held steady in August, as slight declines in quotations of the most widely traded “Indica” varieties compensated for the mild price gains in other rice market segments. Based on latest available data, FAO analysis indicates that a significant number of countries, particularly low‑income food importers, continued to face elevated levels of food prices in August. Upward price pressures slightly eased in areas where harvests were ongoing or recently concluded, but prices generally remained higher year on year from the combined effects of reduced domestic supplies, national macroeconomic difficulties, currency depreciation, localized insecurity and higher-than-normal fuel and fertilizer prices.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #6, 12 July 2022
12/07/2022
International wheat and maize prices decreased in June, reflecting seasonally increased availabilities of wheat in Northern Hemisphere exporters and of maize in Southern Hemisphere exporters. By contrast, strong demand for “Indica” and ”Basmati” rice, coupled with thinning ”Basmati” availabilities, kept international rice prices on the rise in June. Based on latest available data, FAO analysis indicates that the number of countries facing abnormally elevated levels of food prices remained high in June. While reduced domestic supplies, national macroeconomic difficulties and/or localized insecurity remain the underlying drivers of the high prices in many cases, the disruptive impact of the war in Ukraine on international food, fuel and fertilizer markets remains a major cause especially for countries highly dependent on imported wheat and coarse grains.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #5, 15 June 2022
15/06/2022
International wheat prices increased in May in response to India’s announcement of a wheat export ban, amid global supply concerns fuelled by reduced 2022 production prospects as well as disruptions to shipments due to the war in Ukraine. By contrast, international prices of coarse grains eased, as maize harvests in Argentina and Brazil, along with slightly improved crop conditions in the United States of America, alleviated the pressure on markets. Rice prices increased for the fifth successive month in May, amid generally upbeat demand. Based on latest available data, FAO analysis indicates that the number of countries across the globe facing exceptionally high levels of food prices increased sharply in May. Many cases, while originating from reduced domestic supplies, national macroeconomic difficulties and/or localized insecurity, are being exacerbated by the impact of the war in Ukraine on international food, fuel and fertilizer markets.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #4, 11 May 2022
11/05/2022
International prices of coarse grains fell in April as maize harvests in Argentina and Brazil helped ease pressure on maize markets. By contrast, wheat prices edged upwards as global supply tightness persisted amidst the significantly reduced exports from Ukraine due to war-related impacts on export supply chains. For rice, strong Asian demand and weather setbacks in the Americas drove international prices up during April. In West Africa, new record high prices of coarse grains were reported in several countries, driven by a seasonal uptick in demand, lower cross‑border trade flows and higher international commodity prices. Conflicts in the Sahel and weak currencies in coastal countries added upward pressure on domestic prices. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains remained firm or increased further in April and continued to be well above their year-earlier levels across the subregion. Exceptionally high price levels continued to prevail in South Sudan and the Sudan. In Far East Asia, in Sri Lanka, prices of rice and wheat flour increased further in April to new highs mostly due to the sustained effects of precipitous currency depreciation and the below-average 2022 “Maha” crop output. In South America, prices of wheat in April remained significantly higher year on year and at record highs in some countries, owing to strong international demand in exporting countries and elevated international quotations in net-importing countries.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #3, 12 April 2022
13/04/2022
International prices of wheat and coarse grains surged in March as the reduced exports from the Russian Federation and Ukraine worsened already tight global availabilities. Contrasting trends were evident across the market segments for rice, but overall, prices moved little in March. Across most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains continued to increase and were significantly higher year on year, amid lower cross-border trade flows and higher international prices of maize. Additional price support came from reduced outputs in the Sahel as well as from solid export demand in the coastal countries. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains remained firm or increased in March and were generally well above their year-earlier levels. Exceptionally high prices prevailed in South Sudan and the Sudan. In Far East Asia, in Sri Lanka, prices of rice and wheat flour continued to increase in March to new highs due to the depreciation of the national currency and the below-average 2022 “Maha” crop output. For wheat, the firmness in international markets provided additional support. In South America, prices of wheat continued to rise in March to levels ranging from 25 to 75 percent higher year on year, to reach record highs in some countries. The high price levels are due to strong international demand in exporting countries and elevated international quotations in net-importing countries.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #2, 10 March 2022
10/03/2022
Prices of all major cereals increased in February. Wheat and coarse grain prices were pressured upward by supply uncertainties amidst potential disruptions to exports from the Black Sea Region. Crop condition concerns in South America continued to lend support to maize prices. Although international rice prices also edged up during February, they remained below their year-earlier levels. In most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains continued to increase and were at near-record levels. In the Sahel, prices were underpinned by reduced outputs and conflicts, while in the coastal countries, they were supported by strong export demand and currency depreciation. Reduced cross-border trade flows and higher international prices, particularly of maize, added upward pressure on domestic prices. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains followed mixed trends in February and were generally well above their year-earlier levels across the subregion. Exceptionally high levels prevailed in South Sudan and the Sudan. In Far East Asia, in Sri Lanka, prices of rice and wheat flour continued to increase, reaching record levels in February due to further depreciation of the national currency. Expectations of a below-average main “Maha” crop added to the upward price pressure in the case of rice, while upward trends in international markets provided additional support to wheat prices.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #1, 10 February 2022
10/02/2022
Wheat export prices eased in January, reflecting increased seasonal availability from large Southern Hemisphere harvests. By contrast, international maize prices were firmer, mostly underpinned by concerns over dry conditions in the Southern Hemisphere. International rice prices also edged up, as main crop harvests drew to a close and purchases by Asian buyers lent them support. In most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains increased or remained stable, in spite of the recently concluded harvests, and were significantly higher year on year, mostly supported by persisting conflicts and higher transportation costs. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains followed mixed trends in January but generally remained significantly above their year-earlier levels across the subregion. In particular, exceptionally high price levels prevailed in South Sudan and the Sudan. In Far East Asia, in Sri Lanka, prices of staple foods increased to record or near record levels in January reflecting further depreciation of the national currency, as well as concerns over the outlook for the approaching main “Maha” paddy crop, affected by shortages of inputs during the growing season.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #10, 9 December 2021
09/12/2021
Wheat export prices increased further in November, reflecting tight export availabilities. International barley and maize prices also increased, while those of rice kept broadly steady reined in by harvest progress in various Asian suppliers and scattered demand. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains followed mixed trends in November lingering at levels higher than one year ago, with exceptionally high levels still prevailing in South Sudan and the Sudan. Across most of West Africa, prices of coarse grains generally levelled off or increased in November, and remained above their year-earlier values, in particular in the regions where worsening security conditions continued to disrupt food trade and markets. In East Asia, prices of wheat grain and wheat flour continued to increase in November in several countries and were mostly well above their year-earlier levels, largely reflecting the high prices in international markets.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #9, 10 November 2021
10/11/2021
International prices of all major cereals increased month on month in October. Wheat prices led the increase, with prices of rice, barley and maize being also firmer. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains followed mixed trends in October and were generally higher than one year earlier, with exceptionally high levels still prevailing in the Sudan and South Sudan. Prices were well above their year-earlier levels also in Uganda and Somalia, due to reduced availabilities, and in Ethiopia, mainly due to macro-economic difficulties and conflict‑related trade disruptions in some areas. In West Africa, prices of coarse grains decreased seasonally in October for the second consecutive month. However, prices were still significantly above their year-earlier values across the subregion, particularly in central Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, where increased conflicts continued to disrupt agricultural livelihoods, trade and markets.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #8, 12 October 2021
12/10/2021
Wheat export prices increased for a third consecutive month reflecting continued strong demand amidst tightening export availability. Sustained by a mild improvement in trading activities, international rice prices made marginal increases over the multi-year lows touched in August 2021. Despite improved production prospects in some major exporters, maize prices remained elevated. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains remained stable or increased in September and were generally higher than one year earlier, with exceptionally high levels still prevailing in the Sudan and South Sudan. Prices were well above their year‑earlier levels also in Uganda due to reduced availabilities, and in Ethiopia, mainly due to macro-economic difficulties and conflict-related trade disruptions in some areas. In West Africa, prices of coarse grains levelled off or decreased in September in some countries with the arrival of new supplies from the main season harvests. However, prices still lingered well above their year-earlier values across the subregion supported by strong domestic and export demand, high production costs and protracted conflicts.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #7, 9 September 2021
09/09/2021
International cereal prices followed mixed trends in August. Wheat prices surged as production prospects deteriorated significantly in several major producing countries. Among coarse grains, reduced production forecasts also boosted barley prices, while maize and sorghum prices continued to decline from their multi‑year highs reached in May. International rice prices remained on a downward trajectory in August, influenced by efforts to attract sales and by currency movements. In East Africa, prices of coarse grains generally increased in August, especially in countries where first/main season harvests dropped sharply. Prices were generally higher than one year earlier, with exceptionally high levels still prevailing in the Sudan and South Sudan. In West Africa, solid domestic demand amidst constrained market availabilities hindered by supply chain bottlenecks and locally volatile security conditions exacerbated seasonal upward trends in the prices of domestically produced coarse grains, which lingered at levels well above their year-earlier values.