What's New

International export prices of wheat and maize remained stable but high in November , according to the latest GIEWS Global Food Price Monitor. International rice prices were somewhat mixed but generally lower than November 2011.

The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) has released the latest edition of its monthly Market Monitor. This month's report sees stabilized world markets as forecasts for 2012-2013 crop outlooks become more finalized. Despite this stabilization, however, attention should be paid to ongoing weather concerns, particularly drought affecting US winter wheat.

Wheat production in 2012 fell below the record seen in 2011, and ending stocks are expected to decline significantly. Wheat use, on the other hand, is expected to drop based on lower feed use in China and the EU.

The latest edition of the GIEWS Global Food Price Monitor reports that international cereals export prices remained stable in October. While wheat prices experienced some upward pressure due to trends in Australia and Ukraine, this was offset by favorable planting conditions for US winter wheat. Similarly, rice prices remained stable, falling only 1 percent from September. Maize prices also fell marginally based on slowing trade activity and progress of the US harvest.

In its latest Monthly Food Price Watch, FEWS NET reports that global rice production for 2012/2013 is expected to be the highest on record. Global soybean production prospects also improved with a 10 percent increase for 2012/2013; however, strong global demand is expected to keep soybean and soybean oil prices high. While global wheat prices remain high, production is only expected to decline by six percent. However, trade policies in key wheat exporting countries could exert further pressure on prices.

The USDA today released its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Report . The report continues to see reduced global production estimates for wheat, maize, and soybean. Global rice production, on the other hand, is expected to reach a near-record 464.2 million tons. The changes seen in this month's report are relatively small and were anticipated based on recent price trends.