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Global Price Watch: September 2013 Prices (October 31, 2013)

Countries
World
+ 33 more
Sources
FEWS NET
Publication date
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KEY MESSAGES

  • In West Africa, cereals trade between the region’s surplus and deficit zones increased in September. Staple food prices remained stable throughout most of the central basin in September as producers and traders sold remaining stocks from above-average 2012 harvests. Cereal prices were stable or increased in many structurally-deficit areas as the lean season can to an end. Rice imports from international markets contributed to adequate food availability the Western Basin (Pages 3-5).

  • In East Africa, staple food price trends varied throughout the region in September. Sorghum prices were stable or increased atypically in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia. Maize prices continued to increase atypically in Uganda, while in Kenya and Tanzania maize prices declined as harvests progressed. Localized conflict, high transportation costs, and high levels of inflation further reinforced upward price trends in some areas (Pages 5-8).

  • In Southern Africa, maize prices were stable on most markets as the marketing year progressed. Price levels remained above their respective 2012 and five-year average levels due to tight regional supplies resulting from localized production shortfalls during the previous two seasons, and strong export and institutional demand. Maize grain and meal prices continued to increase atypically in parts of Zambia and Malawi. Rice, cassava, and beans reinforced food availability throughout the region (Pages 8-10).

  • In Haiti, local black bean and maize prices were stable or decreased due to improved food availability following spring harvests. In Central America, beans prices declined in September due to the availability of ample stocks from aboveaverage production in 2012 and 2013. Maize prices increased in El Salvador ahead of November harvests (Pages 10-12).

  • In Afghanistan and Tajikistan, wheat and wheat flour prices were stable in September due to ongoing aboveaverage harvests and increased lower-priced imports from Kazakhstan (Page 12-13).

  • International rice prices remained stable or decreased in September.
    Maize prices decreased further with improved harvest prospects in the United States. Wheat prices continued to decrease due to improving growing conditions and harvest projections. Crude oil prices were stable (Pages 2-3).