International prices of all major cereals declined in February 2024. Ample supplies and strong competition among exporters underpinned a decline in wheat and maize prices. International rice prices also dropped as, aside from Indonesian purchases, fresh import demand remained broadly low and new crop harvests began in some exporting countries.

In most countries monitored by FAO, domestic staple food prices remained high in February 2024. Extreme weather events, conflicts and insecurity have remained key underlying drivers of high prices. Weak national currencies are limiting pass‑through effects to domestic markets from the declines in international cereal prices. Shipping disruptions in the Panama Canal and the Red Sea could create additional inflationary pressures on domestic food markets in the short term through higher food import costs.