Blog Post

FEWS Net Monthly Price Watch Released

The latest FEWS Net Monthly Price Watch was released today. The report saw stable global rice and wheat prices in May, although wheat prices remain at high levels. Rice production is on track to surpass last year's record harvests, and rice prices are expected to remain relatively stable for the rest of the year. Global maize prices increased on delayed planting in North America, caused mainly by poor weather conditions. Closing global maize stocks are expected to be tight despite record South American harvests.

Regionally, in East Africa, staple food prices decreased or remained stable on average in May due to surplus availability from previous harvests and the early onset of the rainy season in some areas. In Southern Africa, maize prices decreased but remain above their five-year average based on strong export demand and reduced local production in 2012. West Africa continues to see disruption of staple food and livestock markets as a result of last year's flooding and civil insecurity. In Central America, bean and maize prices were generally steady or decreasing.

Read the latest FEWS Net Monthly Price Watch Annex