KEY MESSAGES
In West Africa, the effects of last year's flood-related production shortfalls and civil insecurity in Nigeria continue to disrupt staple food and livestock markets. Staple food prices remained stable in the central basin in July as producers sold remaining stocks from above-average 2012 harvests. Cereal prices were stable or increased in most structurallydeficit areas as the lean season progressed. (Pages 3-5).
In East Africa, staple food prices generally followed their seasonal trends in July. Sorghum prices increased atypically in parts of Sudan and Ethiopia due to the recent late start of season in key surplus-producing areas. Maize prices were stable or decreased in Tanzania and Uganda, and increased in Rwanda. Localized conflict and high levels of inflation further reinforced upward price trends in some areas. (Pages 6-8).
In Southern Africa, maize and maize meal prices were stable on most markets during the post-harvest period. 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 (Pages 8-11).
In Haiti, local black bean, maize, and maize flour prices were stable or decreased with increased food availability following spring harvests. Staple food prices were above their respective 2012 and five-year average levels due to the lingering effects of droughts and tropical storms in 2012 as well as the depreciation of the Haitian Gourde. In Central America, beans prices were stable between in July due to the availability of ample stocks from above-average production in 2012. Maize price levels and trends varied by country (Pages 11-12).
In Afghanistan and Tajikistan, wheat and wheat flour prices were stable or decreased in July due to ongoing harvests that are projected to be above average and increased lower-priced imports from Kazakhstan (Page 12-13).
International rice prices remained stable or decreased in July. Maize prices decreased considerably with improved harvest prospects in the United States. Wheat prices have continued to decrease due to improving growing conditions and harvest projections. Crude oil prices were stable (Pages 2-3).