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 #4, 13 May 2019
13/05/2019
International prices of wheat and maize declined further in April, mostly on account of abundant exportable supplies and the good 2019 global production prospects. International prices of rice remained generally stable. In East Africa, concerns over the impact of severe dry and hot weather conditions on the 2019 crops underpinned the sharp increases of maize prices registered in several countries in April. In the Sudan and South Sudan, prices of coarse grains continued to rise, mainly supported by the depreciation of the countries’ currencies. In Southern Africa, sharply diminished 2019 crop prospects and tight supplies continued to sustain increases in the prices of maize, which were at levels well above those a year earlier in most countries of the subregion.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #3, 10 April 2019
10/04/2019
International prices of wheat and maize fell in March, mostly on account of abundant export supplies. International prices of rice were only mildly firmer, as weak demand by a number of countries capped increases in the Japonica and lower quality Indica markets. In Southern Africa, extensive damage to cropped land and infrastructure caused by Cyclone Idai could trigger temporary food price spikes in Malawi and Mozambique, as well as Zimbabwe, where the unstable economic situation and unfavourable production prospects for the 2019 crop had already underpinned the sharp price increases between October 2018 and February this year. In East Africa, in the Sudan and South Sudan, prices of coarse grains increased in March and reached exceptionally high levels, underpinned by the further depreciation of the countries’ currencies on the parallel market and high production and transport costs.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #2, 12 March 2019
12/03/2019
International prices of wheat fell in February mainly on account of a weaker pace in exports, while prices of maize generally increased. International prices of rice held steady, with a decline in Indica prices offsetting increases in those of Japonica varieties. In Southern Africa, tight supplies from the 2018 reduced outputs and uncertain 2019 production prospects continued to provide upward pressure to the prices of maize in most countries of the subregion. In Zimbabwe, prices of food remained at elevated levels, supported by the lingering effects of economic shocks, including significantly higher raising production costs and causing supply shortages. In East Africa, in the Sudan and South Sudan, currency depreciations and high production costs continued to underpin food price increases, pushing them to extremely high levels in February. In Somalia, recent crop losses supported the prices of coarse grains, which remained, however, lower than a year earlier.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #1, 12 February 2019
12/02/2019
International prices of wheat remained firm in January due to tightening export supplies and robust world demand, while concerns over the impact of adverse weather on crops in South America underpinned maize export price quotations. International prices of rice also rose, mainly due to reviving Asian demand for Japonica rice. In East Africa, in the Sudan and South Sudan, the weak national currencies provided upward support to the prices of staple foods and kept them at levels well above those a year earlier. High production and transport costs also contributed to the higher level of prices. In Southern Africa, seasonal price increases of maize were amplified in several countries by the reduced 2018 production outturns, while in Zimbabwe, a drop in the value of the country’s currency and a shortage of foreign exchange were the main drivers of the surge in food prices late last year.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #10, 10 December 2018
10/12/2018
International prices of wheat and maize remained under downward pressure in November, mostly on account of large nearby supplies. For rice, new crop arrivals continued to weigh on export price quotations. In East Africa, in the Sudan, a further sharp devaluation of the currency triggered a marked increase in the prices of grains, which reached record to near-record highs despite the ongoing harvest. In Southern Africa, in Zimbabwe, a drop in the value of the country’s currency, as well as a shortage of foreign exchange, curbed imports and underpinned the increases in cereal prices. Elsewhere in the subregion, reduced 2018 harvests pushed the prices of maize to levels above those recorded a year earlier in several countries.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #9, 9 November 2018
09/11/2018
International prices of wheat in October were supported by concerns over a tighter global supply outlook, while those of maize in the United States of America rose, mostly supported by large sales for export. By contrast, export prices of rice were generally weaker on account of harvest pressure, export competition and currency movements. In Asia, in the Philippines, the start of the 2018 main season harvest halted the upward trend of rice prices of the past several months on the backdrop of low public inventories and increased fuel costs. Prices, however, remained at record or near-record highs, well above their levels in October 2017. In Central America, prices of white maize dropped markedly in October, mainly as a result of improved market availabilities from the 2018 main season harvest. Prices, however, remained well above their year-earlier values in most countries, particularly in Nicaragua, following the sustained increases since the beginning of 2018.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #6, 12 July 2018
12/10/2018
International prices of wheat and maize fell in June despite generally worsening production prospects. By contrast, in the rice markets, higher quotations of Japonica and fragrant rice outweighed the declines in Indica rice prices. In East Africa, prices of grains in the Sudan remained at record highs in June due to concerns that 2018 plantings would be reduced by shortages and high prices of fuel and inputs, as well as a sharp depreciation of the local currency and the removal of subsidies. Similarly, a continuing currency depreciation, coupled with tight supplies and insecurity, contributed to keeping food prices at exceptionally high levels in South Sudan. In Central America, prices of white maize continued to increase seasonally in June, particularly in Nicaragua, where the ongoing social unrest contributed to push prices to near-record highs. In South America, prices of yellow maize remained stable and well above their year-earlier levels in Argentina and Brazil, despite the ongoing 2018 maize harvests, mainly due to expectations of reduced outputs. Prices of wheat continued to increase due to seasonally tight supplies and weakening currencies stimulating exports.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #8, 10 October 2018
10/10/2018
International prices of wheat fell in September, pressured by stronger export competition. Prices of maize also declined, reflecting expectations of a large crop in the United States of America. Export prices of rice generally declined. In East Africa, prices of grains remained at levels well below those a year earlier, with the notable exceptions of the Sudan and South Sudan, due to the depreciation of the local currencies and high production and transport costs. In Central America, dry weather-induced losses to the main season crops continued to provide upward pressure to prices of white maize in most countries of the subregion, particularly in Nicaragua, where prices rose sharply in September to record highs, more than double their values a year earlier. In South America, in Argentina and Brazil, the sharp depreciation of the domestic currencies, which has boosted exports, contributed to support prices of grains in September and kept them at levels well above those a year earlier.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #7, 17 September 2018
17/09/2018
International prices of wheat increased in August, underpinned by deteriorating crop prospects and tightening export availabilities. Prices of maize rose for the first time in three months, while rice quotations eased amid generally subdued demand. In East Africa, prices of grains in the Sudan rose further to record highs in August, underpinned by the removal of wheat subsidies, a strong depreciation of the local currency and increased transport costs. Elsewhere in the subregion, prices generally declined and were at levels well below those a year earlier in most countries. In Central America, prices of white maize increased significantly and reached levels well above those a year earlier in most countries of the subregion mainly due to the adverse impact of dry weather on harvest prospects for the 2018 main season crops.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #5, 11 June 2018
11/06/2018
Export prices of maize from the United States of America increased in May, underpinned by the impact of heavy rains in key growing areas, which also limited the decline in the export prices of wheat. International prices of rice remained generally stable. In East Africa, severe early and mid-season dryness affecting production prospects for the 2019 harvests continued to support the increases in prices of maize in several countries of the subregion. In the Sudan and South Sudan, a halt in currency depreciations contributed to a softer tone in prices of coarse grains in the past month. In Southern Africa, prices of maize came under general downward pressure in May with the start of the 2019 harvests. By contrast, in Zimbabwe, retail prices of maize and wheat flour spiked after upward price revisions by the milling industry, reflecting the continuing depreciation of the country’s currency as well as the sharply reduced production prospects for the 2019 cereal crops.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #4, 10 May 2018
10/05/2018
International prices of wheat and maize in April were generally higher, supported by weather concerns in key producing countries and brisk trade. International prices of rice increased in response to renewed import demand in Asia. In East Africa, in the Sudan, prices of staple foods, millet, sorghum and wheat, remained firm or increased in April and were at record or near-record highs, underpinned by a weak currency, the removal of wheat subsidies and increased transport costs. In Central America, prices of white maize increased sharply in March and April and reached levels well above those a year earlier in most countries of the subregion. Seasonal upward pressure was supported by higher purchasing prices from the milling industry, trends in the international market and increased fuel costs. In South America, prices of yellow maize and wheat continued to increase in Argentina, underpinned by strong demand and forecasts of lower crops this year. Prices of maize rose sharply also in Brazil, due to large exports and expectations of a decline in the 2018 harvests; those of wheat increased following the sharply reduced production last year and costlier imports.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #3, 10 April 2018
10/04/2018
International prices of wheat and maize rose in March for the third consecutive month and averaged more than 10 percent above their levels in December 2017. Prices were mainly supported by concerns over the impact of prolonged dryness in key-growing areas of the United States of America and Argentina, coupled with strong demand. International rice prices remained relatively stable. In South America, severe dry weather and strong demand underpinned the domestic prices of grains in key exporting country, Argentina, while the price of yellow maize spiked also in Brazil in March. In East Africa, in the Sudan, the strong upward surge in prices of coarse grains faltered in March but they remained at record or near-record highs, reflecting the removal of the wheat subsidies and the strong depreciation of the local currency. In Southern Africa, in Madagascar, prices of locally-produced and imported rice declined in February from the record highs reached in January with the harvesting of the minor season paddy crop and following an appreciation of the Malagasy Ariary.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #1, 13 February 2018
13/02/2018
International prices of wheat and maize were generally firmer in January, supported by weather-related concerns and a weaker US dollar. Export price quotations of rice also strengthened mainly buoyed by renewed Asian demand. In East Africa, in the Sudan, prices of the main staples: sorghum, millet and wheat, rose sharply for the third consecutive month in January and reached record highs, underpinned by the removal of wheat subsidies and the strong depreciation of the Sudanese Pound. In West Africa, prices of coarse grains were at relatively high levels in January, despite the good harvests gathered in late 2017, due to strong demand for stock replenishment and insecurity in some areas.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #11, 11 December 2017
11/12/2017
International prices of wheat and maize remained relatively stable in November, reflecting good supply conditions, while export quotations of rice strengthened amid increased buying interest and currency movements. In East Africa, prices of cereals in November continued to decline in most countries with the ongoing 2017 harvests and were at levels around or below those a year earlier with a few exceptions. By contrast, in the Sudan, prices surged and reached record highs in some markets, mainly underpinned by the sharp depreciation of the Sudanese Pound in the parallel market. In Central America, prices of white maize eased in November as market flows returned to normal, after disruption caused by severe rains in the previous month. Good domestic availabilities kept prices at levels below those a year earlier.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #10, 10 November 2017
10/11/2017
The benchmark US wheat price declined in October mostly because of higher supply prospects while maize quotations firmed due to rain-induced harvest delays. International rice prices strengthened in October, mainly reflecting seasonally tight Japonica and fragrant supplies. In East and West Africa, cereal prices declined in October with the 2017 ongoing or recently-started harvests. However, concerns over crop outputs and civil insecurity kept prices at high levels in some countries, particularly in Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Sudan. In Central America, heavy rains in October led to unseasonal increases in maize and bean prices. They remained, however, at levels well below those a year earlier as a result of adequate domestic supplies, following the overall good outputs in 2016 and the 2017 first season harvests.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #9, 10 October 2017
10/10/2017
International prices of wheat increased in September mostly because of weather-related concerns, while maize quotations fell further on crop harvest pressure. International rice prices remained generally firm, supported by seasonally tight availabilities of fragrant rice and strong demand for higher quality Indica supplies. In East Africa, prices of cereals remained at levels above those of a year earlier in most countries, particularly in Ethiopia reflecting seasonal tightness amid concerns over the impact of the Fall Armyworm infestation on the main harvest and in South Sudan mainly due to the ongoing conflict. In Asia, prices of rice in Bangladesh increased again in September and reached record highs, with seasonal patterns exacerbated by the reduced 2017 main season output and concerns over the impact of the July-August floods on the second season crop, to be harvested from November.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #8, 12 September 2017
12/09/2017
International prices of wheat dipped in August, after increasing in the past few months, following an upturn in production prospects in the Black Sea region which improved the 2017 global supply outlook. Maize quotations also fell on improved weather conditions and abundant global supplies. International prices of rice were relatively stable, although price movements were mixed across the different rice market segments. In East Africa, prices of cereals generally continued to decline with the new harvests. The main exception was Ethiopia, where prices increased further at a fast pace, underpinned by the poor performance of the secondary season harvest and concerns over the main season crop, soon to be gathered. In Asia, domestic prices of rice decreased or remained relatively stable in August, amid generally favourable prospects for the 2017 paddy crops, about to be harvested, and a slowdown in demand. In Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, despite recent decreases, prices remained higher than a year earlier, mainly due to weather-related losses of main season crops, gathered earlier in the year.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #7, 10 August 2017
10/08/2017
International prices of wheat rose further in July on quality concerns, particularly for higher protein wheat, although upward pressure was limited by prospects of ample global supplies. Export prices of maize remained generally unchanged, while a slowdown in demand capped gains in rice quotations. In East Africa, prices of cereals in most countries declined significantly for the second consecutive month in July with the new harvests, but remained generally higher than a year earlier. However, in Ethiopia, prices of maize surged further and reached record levels, underpinned by uncertain prospects for the 2017 crops. In the CIS, prices of staple potatoes declined sharply from the record or near-record highs of June in most countries of the subregion with the beginning of the new harvest. Prices, however, remained higher than in July last year after the sharp increases of the past months.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #6, 10 July 2017
10/07/2017
International wheat prices generally increased in June on quality concerns amid unfavourable growing conditions for the 2017 crops in some key producing countries. Export prices of maize remained generally unchanged, while rice quotations continued to increase mainly on account of strong demand. In East Africa, cereal prices either remain stable or declined in June with the new 2017 harvests, but remained at near-record levels in several countries. Prices increased sharply in the past several months, due to tight supplies because of drought-reduced 2016 second season crops and concerns about the overall performance of this year’s harvests following poor rains and crop pests. In Asia, sustained demand further underpinned domestic prices of rice in exporting countries in June. Elsewhere in the subregion, rice prices rose further and reached record highs in Bangladesh, reflecting losses incurred in the 2017 main season crop, coupled with reduced production and imports in 2016. In Sri Lanka, an anticipated reduction in the 2017 output continued to support prices of rice.
Food Price Monitoring and Analysis (FPMA) Bulletin #5, 12 June 2017
12/06/2017
International wheat prices followed mixed trends in May, increasing in North America and the European Union due to unfavourable weather developments but down slightly in the Black Sea region and Argentina. Export prices of maize remained generally unchanged, while rice quotations were underpinned by strong demand. In Asia, rice prices rose sharply to record highs in Bangladesh, reflecting tighter supplies due to reduced production and imports in 2016, along with flood‑related damages to the 2017 main season crop. Rice price increases were also recorded in the main exporting countries, while they remained relatively stable elsewhere. In East Africa, cereal prices continued to rise in several countries in May, reaching record to near-record levels. Seasonal patterns were exacerbated by reduced supplies from the drought-affected 2016 second season outputs and by uncertain prospects for the upcoming 2017 harvests due to poor rains and crop pests. In West Africa, coarse grain prices increased seasonally in May and reached levels above those a year earlier, particularly in Niger, due to localized production shortfalls last year and reduced imports. In Nigeria, the substantial depreciation of the local currency continued to underpin food prices, with further support provided by high transport costs and insecurity.