FEWS Monthly Price Watch Sees Price Increases for Maize, Soybeans, Wheat

FEWS NET has released its latest Monthly Price Watch , citing continuing rising prices for many staple commodities. US maize prices rose by 20% in July due to the ongoing drought in the Midwest; drop losses in both the US and South America have contributed to increased prices for soybeans and soybean oil as well. International wheat prices also increased in June and July due to expected shortfalls in the European Union, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

Staple food prices continue to climb in the Horn of Africa as the lean season progresses. Southern Africa saw seasonal declines in prices, with the exception of Malawi, which experienced unseasonal shortfalls in maize production. Staple prices remained stable in West Africa, but are still much higher than seasonal averages. Central American maize and bean prices have generally remained stable, seeing only minor seasonal increases.

FEWS NET also released its latest Food Assistance Outlook for January 2013. The organization is projecting above-average food assistance needs for several countries, including Ethiopia, Mali, Malawi, Niger, Sudan, and South Sudan.