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In West Africa, market availability was good in December with carryover stocks, early supplies from above-average 2015/16 regional harvests and international rice and wheat imports. Markets remained disrupted throughout the Lake Chad Basin and in parts of Northern Mali.
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In East Africa, maize prices declined seasonally in surplus-producing areas of Uganda. Below average harvests are anticipated in Ethiopia and Sudan, putting pressure on markets. The South Sudanese Pound was allowed to float in December, leading to a substantial depreciation of the local currency. Markets remain disrupted by insecurity in South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.
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In Southern Africa, maize supplies are below-average and began to significantly tighten across the region with the progression of the lean season. Significant maize deficits are seen in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Maize prices generally increased and are well above-average price levels across the region.
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In Central America, maize prices followed seasonal trends and supplies from the recent Primera season (main maize harvest) began to dwindle. Red bean supplies increased after an early start of the bean harvest (Postrera) in November and prices stabilized in El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Locally-produced bean and maize availability remained below-average in Haiti, while imported commodity prices remained stable.
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In Central Asia, wheat availability remained good region-wide. Prices are below their respective 2014 levels in surplus-producing areas.
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International staple food markets remain well supplied. Maize, wheat, rice, and soybean prices were stable in December and below their respective 2014 levels. Crude oil prices continued to decrease and remained well below-average.
Price Watch offers a monthly summary and outlook on global, regional and national trends of key commodity prices in FEWS NET countries. Analysis may touch on global issues, such as fuel prices or exchange rates, if they are likely to influence staple food prices in FEWS NET countries. The accompanying Price Watch Annex details price trends by country.