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Food Prices Steady in December, Slightly Lower in 2013
The latest FAO Food Price Index, released this week, remained largely unchanged from last month's at 206.7 points. Overall, the Index was slightly lower in 2013 than in 2012; food prices declined 1.6 percent in the past year. However, 2013 levels were still the third highest annual value on record.
The Cereal Price Index declined 1.4 percent from November due to record harvests and large global supplies, particularly for wheat and maize. On the other hand, rice prices rose slightly in December. In 2013, the Cereal Index fell by 17 points from 2012.
FAO Food Price Index Unchanged in November
The latest FAO Food Price Index was released yesterday, remaining virtually unchanged from October at 206.3 points. The Index is 4.4 percent below its November 2012 level.
The Cereals Index dropped two points in November, and is a full 24 percent lower than it was in November 2012. This year's record cereals crop is the main driver of this reduction in cereals prices, particularly for wheat, maize, and rice.
FAO Food Price Index Rises Slightly in October
The FAO Food Price Index , released today, rose slightly in October to 205.8 points. While this is about 1.3 percent higher than in September, it is still 5.3 percent below its October 2012 levels. This small increase was driven mainly by rising sugar prices.
FAO Food Price Index Continues to Fall
The latest FAO Food Price Index, released Thursday, continued to fall in September, down 2.3 points below August and a full 11 points from the beginning of the year. This marks the fifth consecutive decrease.
The Cereals Price Index dropped 12.9 points from August and as much as 65 points from September 2012. The decline reflects a favorable supply outlook, particularly for maize and rice. The Oils/Fats Price Index remained unchanged from August. The Dairy, Meat, and Sugar Indices all rose slightly in September.
Global Food Prices Continue to Fall in August
The latest FAO Food Price Index, released last week, fell nearly four points from July and nearly 11 points from August 2012. This was the fourth consecutive month in which global food prices dropped.
The Cereals Price Index declined by 16.4 points from July, and fell a whopping 49.4 points from August of last year. Strong growth in global cereal production, along with a significant recovery of global maize supplies, is behind this substantial drop. The Oils/Fats Price Index also fell by 5.7 points from July, the third consecutive drop.