KEY MESSAGES:

• Global wheat prices increased in September 2024, driven by concerns over unfavourable weather conditions in a number of key exporting countries. International maize prices also increased as low river levels in Brazil and the United States of America caused logistical disruptions. By contrast, export quotations of Indica rice declined, amid generally quiet trading activity. 
• FAO’s analysis of the latest available domestic price data reveals some year-on-year price softening for food staples in August and September 2024 in parts of Central America, East Africa and Far East Asia. However, the persistence of multiple concurrent shocks, including adverse weather conditions, conflicts and macroeconomic difficulties, continue to keep prices of key staples higher than last year’s levels in most Southern and West African countries, as well as in Argentina, Haiti, Myanmar, the Sudan and South Sudan.