Forecasts for global growth from the IMF have been revised markedly down compared with the January 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, reflecting effective tariff rates “at levels not seen in a century and a highly unpredictable environment”.

• Conflicts continue to drive food insecurity in East and Central Africa, with more than 25 million people in Sudan experiencing acute food insecurity and famine conditions in multiple regions and 27.7 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo facing high levels of acute food insecurity, including nearly 4 million in emergency conditions. Conflict is also driving food insecurity in Gaza, Haiti, Lebanon, and Yemen.

• Since the last update in March 14, agricultural and export price indices closed 1 percent and 2 percent higher, respectively, and the cereal price index closed at the same level.

• A recent World Bank blog highlights how public support to the agriculture and food sector—more than US$800 billion per year globally—is still largely misaligned with the goal of improving nutrition. Much of this support goes toward staple grains, sugar, and meat, with healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy receiving far less attention.

• The April 2025 AMIS Market Monitor reports that global markets for wheat, maize, rice, and soybeans are generally stable. There is enough supply overall, and stock levels for most crops are at or near average. No major shortages are expected in the near term.

• The World Bank State of Social Protection 2025 report warns that gaps in social protection coverage remain substantial, with 2 billion people in low- and middle-income countries uncovered or inadequately covered by social protection