increase font size
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 1.5% from November, as wheat, maize, rice, and barley prices all rose.
The benchmark measure of world food commodity prices ended 2023 approximately 10% lower than its year-earlier level.
That’s according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations which says the sharpest drop in commodity prices came from international sugar quotations.
The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 118.5 points in December, down 1.5% from November and down 10.1% from December 2022.
For 2023 as a whole, the index was 13.7% lower than the average value over the preceding year, with only the international sugar price index higher over the period.
The FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 1.5% from November, as wheat, maize, rice, and barley prices all rose, partly reflecting logistical disruptions that hindered shipments from major exporting countries.
For the year as a whole, the index was 15.4% below the 2022 average, reflecting well supplied global markets, although FAO’s All Rice Price Index registered a 21% increase, largely owing to concerns about the impact of El Niño on rice production and in the aftermath of export restrictions imposed by India.
The FAO Vegetable Oil Index, by contrast, declined by 1.4% from November, reflecting subdued purchases of palm, soy, rapeseed, and sunflower seed oil, with soy oil in particular impacted by a slowdown in demand from the biodiesel sector as well as improving weather conditions in major growing areas of Brazil.
For 2023 as a whole, this index was 32.7% below the previous year’s level.
The FAO Sugar Price Index declined 16.6% from November, hitting a nine-month low although it was still up 14.9% from December 2022.
The plunge in sugar quotations was mainly driven by the strong pace of production in Brazil, along with the reduced use of sugarcane for ethanol production in India.
Meanwhile, the FAO Meat Price Index dipped 1.0% from November, reaching a level 1.8% below that of December 2022, impacted by persistent weak import demand from Asia for pig meat.
Regional buying interest also slowed for bovine and poultry meat despite ample exportable supplies in large producing region. Ovine meat prices by contrast rose ahead of the holiday season.
Bucking the trend, the FAO Dairy Price Index increased by 1.6% from November, although it still stands 16.1% below its December 2022 value.
The monthly increase was led by higher price quotations for butter and cheese, underpinned by strong internal sales in Western Europe ahead of the holiday season.
At the same time, strong global import demand led international whole milk powders to rise.
The benchmark for world food commodity prices increased for the third consecutive month in May, as higher prices of cereals and dairy products outweighed decreases in quotations for sugar and vegetable oils, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports.
It’s World Milk Day today (June 1), a time to celebrate the vital role that milk, and dairy products play in our lives and acknowledge the tremendous contributions of the New Zealand dairy sector.
The director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) says the UN has a role to play in leveraging the power of digital technologies.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The benchmark for world food commodity prices fell further in January, led by decreases in the prices for cereal and meat, says the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…
