Latest news with #FoodPriceIndex
Jordan News
05-07-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Global Food Prices Rise Again in June, Pressuring Import-Dependent Arab Markets - Jordan News
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported a continued increase in global food prices for the second consecutive month, with its Food Price Index reaching 128 points in June 2025. This rise was driven by higher prices for meat, dairy, and vegetable oils, despite declines in grains and sugar. اضافة اعلان Key Highlights from the June 2025 Report: Grains: The cereal price index dropped to 107.4 points, down 1.5% from May, mainly due to lower corn prices from strong supply in Brazil and Argentina. However, wheat prices saw a slight uptick despite the harvest season starting in the northern hemisphere. Vegetable Oils: Prices jumped by 2.3%, led by increases in palm oil, soybean oil, and canola. These oils are crucial to both industrial and household consumption in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Meat: The global meat index hit a record 126 points, with red meat prices rising sharply due to reduced exports from Brazil and increased U.S. demand. Poultry prices dipped temporarily due to avian flu concerns in Brazil but began recovering by late June. Sugar: A notable 5.2% decline brought sugar prices to their lowest level since April 2021, offering some relief for import-reliant countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan. Dairy Products: Overall prices rose 0.5%, but butter prices surged 2.8%, reaching a new high due to reduced production in New Zealand and Europe, impacted by environmental regulations and bluetongue virus outbreaks. Impact on Arab Countries For nations with high food import dependency—such as Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and the Gulf states—these price increases add to existing inflationary pressures, especially in light of: Weakened local currencies, Volatile shipping costs, and Geopolitical disruptions in supply chains. While declines in sugar and corn are welcome, the sharp rises in meat, dairy, and vegetable oils—staples in many Arab diets—are likely to strain household budgets further. The FAO notes that global supply prospects for grains remain favorable, but market volatility persists due to climate uncertainty, trade dynamics, and rising industrial demand, particularly from bioenergy sectors. Outlook Despite abundant global stocks for key crops like wheat and rice, price relief may not reach consumers in the MENA region soon due to import bottlenecks, currency devaluation, and regional food insecurity. The FAO urges continued monitoring and regional cooperation to buffer vulnerable populations from further shocks.
Saba Yemen
05-07-2025
- Business
- Saba Yemen
FAO: Global food prices rise modestly in June
PARIS – Saba: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced a modest increase in global food commodity prices in June, driven by higher prices for meat, dairy products, and vegetable oils. According to FAO, the organization's Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the prices of a basket of globally traded basic food commodities, averaged 128 points in June, up 0.5 percent from the previous May. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
NZ Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Dairy exports vital for NZ economy despite butter price concerns: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth
The same might well apply to your house. Downsizing parents have been known to assist their children into the family home while choosing somewhere less expensive for themselves. But if an outlander said they would give you twice the money of the valuation of your home, would you then accept it in the knowledge your children would ultimately be better off? There could be $1 million extra to spend on whatever you and they need, want or desire – a different house and a car, holiday or whatever. This is the philosophy behind Fonterra's approach to selling products from the dairy industry. A considerable amount of time and energy is spent marketing and positioning to achieve the best price possible for the product. The money keeps people in employment, funds repairs, maintenance and infrastructure development, and also funds research into new products. The bulk of the export income goes to the dairy farmers so that they, too, can employ people and create vibrant businesses, while also funding farm research through their levy contribution to industry good bodies such as DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ. The income streams give everybody more choice, including the Government through tax-take investment. Every dairy dollar created by New Zealand cows and sold offshore generates over seven times the value in New Zealand and increases employment by over eight Full Time Equivalent positions. The $27 billion in export dollars is $5400 for every New Zealander, which multiplied by seven is almost $40,000. That is just for dairy. It is a lot of packs of butter, or cheese, and certainly litres of milk. The Government's concept of doubling the value of exports underpins its desire (and New Zealand's need) for improved health, education and infrastructure, as well as police, environment, and every other group important to New Zealand's functioning as a developed nation. Prices come down when supply exceeds demand, writes Dr Jacqueline Rowarth. If the export income increases, New Zealanders are better off. Despite this, there has been yet another outcry over the price of butter, with statements that it should be cheaper because New Zealand produces so much of it. Prices come down when supply exceeds demand, or if the product is being used as a loss leader by the seller. Vegetables and fruit tend to be cheaper in peak harvest season because supply is plentiful. The Food Price Index shows increases during winter and drought (and in the aftermath of cyclones). There is no glut in dairy products – they are in demand. Loss leaders are a different issue. They are an inducement to customers to enter a store to purchase the product at a price which might be below market cost. The goal is to stimulate sales of other, more profitable goods or services. The store accepts the 'loss' on the chosen product on the basis that it will make more money on sales overall, as customers are led into the shop… Inevitably, this leads to a discussion on supermarkets and whether the current structure allows sufficient choice for New Zealand customers. Supermarkets have borne the brunt of complaints about rising food prices (overlooking the impact of an increase in wages, power, rates and compliance costs, and the fact about 40% of food is imported). An article published last year showed each New Zealand supermarket was generating over 40% more revenue than US supermarkets. But each New Zealand supermarket was also serving more people. The article suggested having more competition between supermarket companies would reduce the revenue (implication - profit - which is not necessarily the case) for each supermarket. What was not apparent was that by serving more people, the New Zealand supermarkets were offering a service for less than that being charged in other countries. From the data, it appeared that in the UK and Australia, the revenue per person was 40% and 23%, respectively, higher than in New Zealand. When comparing prices here with those overseas, the role of GST, which adds 15% to the purchase price, is often overlooked. Further, unlike farmers elsewhere, New Zealand farmers do not receive Government support (taxpayer money). In many cases in the northern hemisphere, the support is what keeps the business solvent while ensuring domestic food security and a managed landscape. Discussing butter prices, Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, has explained that the alternatives are subsidies (which have to be paid for with tax) or regulation. There is a cost to both, resulting in inefficiencies. Next time you need butter (or cheese, or milk or any food), thank a farmer for being the bedrock of the economy. The current Government is grateful; we can be, too.
Gulf Insider
03-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Global Food Prices Climb Toward Arab Spring-Era Highs Amid Trade War Turmoil
Global food prices surged to a two-year high in April, driven by U.S. tariff policy uncertainty that has injected turmoil across markets. The latest spike brings prices dangerously close to levels that helped fuel the Arab Spring uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa between 2010 and 2012. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported on Friday that its Food Price Index—which tracks monthly changes in international prices of globally traded food commodities—averaged 128.3 points in April, up 1% from March and 7.6% from the same month last year. The Food Price Index (FFPI) subcomponents, including cereals, meat, and dairy, mainly were up, while vegetable oils and sugar were down. Here's a breakdown of how FFPI's subcomponents performed in April: Cereals: Up 1.2% from March; wheat rose on tighter Russian exports, rice up on demand for fragrant varieties, maize higher due to low U.S. stocks. Meat: Up 3.2%; pig meat led gains, bovine prices firmed in Australia and Brazil on strong demand and limited supply. Dairy: Up 2.4%; butter hit an all-time high due to declining inventories in Europe, dairy index now 22.9% higher year-over-year. Vegetable Oils: Down 2.3%; palm oil fell with rising Southeast Asian output, soy and rapeseed oil up on strong demand, sunflower oil steady. Sugar: Down 3.5%; decline driven by fears of weakened demand from beverage and food sectors amid uncertain global economic outlook. At 128.3, the FAO said FFPI moved to a two-year high on 'currency fluctuations influencing price movements in world markets, while tariff policy adjustments raised market uncertainty.' Those prices are nearing 2010-12 Arab Spring levels… Bloomberg quoted Monika Tothova, an economist at the FAO, as saying that short-term demand for some ag products has been visible amid the tariff war between President Trump and China. The lingering question is whether the FFPI will continue rising amid tariff uncertainty—or if potential signaling around new trade talks between the U.S. and China suggests this price surge may be temporary. Still concerning is the level at which prices linger and how higher food prices can trigger social destabilization in weak countries.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts warn global crisis is deepening as soaring food costs push millions to the brink: 'We are at a breaking point'
Global food prices continue to rise. Experts warn that vulnerable and poor communities may feel the hardest impacts. A new report by the international non-profit organization World Vision describes how hunger is a wide-reaching pandemic, especially for poorer countries. According to the report, "The highest food prices were found in Burundi, Central African Republic, Sudan, and Niger — countries facing conflict, extreme climate events, and economic turmoil." Food prices are rising around the world. According to the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization's Food Price Index, which tracks a predetermined group of food products, was up 8.2% from February 2024 to February 2025. Amanda Rives, senior director, disaster management at World Vision International, told reliefweb that "we are at a breaking point" and more interventions and long-term solutions will be needed to prevent communities around the world from existing in states of famine. As food becomes more expensive, individuals and families may struggle to put food on the table. According to the United Nations, about 9.2% of the earth's population was in a state of chronic hunger in 2022. When a person is hungry, they can have trouble focusing and can have physical symptoms like dizziness or weakness. Hunger affects both mental and physical health. Rising food prices are the result of a blend of socio-political and environmental factors. Focusing on the environmental factors, the overheating of our planet is a major contributor. This means that rising food prices are a symptom of a larger problem. Extreme weather patterns empowered by our warming climate have led to food system disruptions. Agriculture depends on the climate, and shifting growing seasons can have disastrous impact on crop yields. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. These climate changes disrupt all stages of the food system, for humans and other animals on the planet. Organizations like the World Food Programme are doing important work to bring food to those who need it, offer training in sustainable agricultural processes, and cultivate knowledge in communities to help them adapt to the food-based challenges they face. We can each do our own part, however small, to help food supplies. For one, we can make sure our yards are pollinator-friendly to nurture healthy ecosystems. We can also make eco-conscious decisions. When shopping for groceries, a little bit of planning can go a long way. And when our food is in the home, we can do our best to cut down on food waste. As Rives said, "For millions of families, food is not just expensive, it is out of reach. No child should go to bed hungry in a world that produces more than enough food for everyone." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
