March 2016 Global Price Watch

In West Africa, market availability was good in February with 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. The recent depreciation of the Naira has led to price increases across Nigeria.

In East Africa, maize prices declined seasonally in surplus-producing areas of Uganda. Harvests are estimated to be below average in Ethiopia and South Sudan, putting pressure on local markets. The South Sudanese Pound was allowed to float in December, leading to a persistent depreciation of the local currency and reducing purchasing power. Markets remain disrupted by insecurity in South Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.

In Southern Africa, maize supplies are well below-average and continued to significantly tighten across the region with the progression of the lean season. With the greatest maize shortages in the region, maize price increases in Malawi and Mozambique were significant and are expected to continue as stocks diminish, import opportunities decline, and the upcoming 2016 harvest is delayed by a month. Maize prices are well above-average levels across the region.

In Central America, maize and bean supplies increased with the end of the Postrera harvest, keeping prices of both staple foods generally stable across the region. However, compared to average supply levels, availability of both maize and beans is below-average. Locally-produced bean and maize availability remained below-average in Haiti, while imported commodity prices and availability remained stable.

In Central Asia, wheat availability remained adequate region-wide. Prices are below their respective 2015 levels in surplus-producing areas.

International staple food markets remain well supplied. Maize, wheat, rice, and soybean prices were stable in February and below their respective 2015 levels. Crude oil prices were stable and remained well below-average.