empty
04.11.2021 09:23 PM
Cost of food commodities rises again, holding new records

The UN Index, which tracks essential foods from wheat to vegetable oils, rose as much as 3% in October, indicating a new ten-year high. At the same time, the threat of further increase for end consumers, who are already facing the challenges of a new COVID-19 outbreak, remains at its highest.

Global food prices rose again last month, threatening the economy with new records, and increasing the momentum of consumer price increases.

Poor weather conditions this farm year have hit crops around the world. Besides, transportation costs skyrocketed and labor shortages affected the food supply chain from farms to supermarkets. The energy crisis also had a negative impact on producers, forcing greenhouses to incur additional costs and causing an additional risk of increased fertilizer bills for farmers. Global hunger levels reached multi-year highs back during previous Covid-19 outbreaks and are at risk of rising again, updating its readings.

Abdolreza Abbassian, senior economist at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization said that the problem with materials and fertilizers and their impact on next year's crop was worrisome. He noted that by that time the market had accounted for most of the supply and demand issues. Abdolreza Abbassian added that the market had not considered next year's production prospects.

It means that market players are already aware of current prices. However, producers and investors are concerned about a combination of future factors, therefore futures may be volatile. It could heighten bank and investor fears about inflation

This image is no longer relevant

Some regions are likely to continue to face food security concerns. On Thursday, the UN raised its global wheat trade forecast to a record high as purchases in Middle Eastern countries from Iran to Afghanistan are rising. Drought has reduced crops, increasing reliance on imported grain. Besides, it occurs amid rising prices.

Abbassian said that it was the worst time for those countries as world prices were so high. However, he noted that people would not survive if 2022 turned to be a poor year for significant crops

The rise in prices harkens back to the tough years of 2008 and 2011, which contributed to the global food crisis. While it takes time for commodity costs to be reflected in supermarket prices, officials in regions like North Africa and Turkey are already struggling to protect shoppers from the blow.

According to the FAO, high farmers' costs could also stop cultivation of crops in the Northern Hemisphere, which are now planted. For example, the cost of nitrogen fertilizer hits producers hard, affecting the cost of production. Russia is going to introduce a six-month quota for these products.

However, there are signs that prices for some foodstuffs are stabilizing.

According to Abbassyan, last month, meat and sugar prices went down. Programs to offer consumers artificial meat are gaining support, although demand is falling.

The specialist believes there are enough global grain and oilseed stocks to meet demand, and prices for rice, one of the world's most important foods, remain low.

Abdolreza Abbassian said that people had better understanding what products they needed. He noted that uncertainty was probably decreasing.

Actually, that sounds rather uncertain. First, it is due to the fact that regulators do not have answers that will satisfy consumers and reassure producers. Food futures will rise in the coming days. Besides, this trend will likely continue until spring.

Egor Danilov,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Trump acts, markets react: Nikkei up 2%, USD rallies

The Nikkei surged more than 2%, S&P 500 futures extended their rally, and the dollar jumped after US President Donald Trump said he has no plans to fire Fed Chairman

12:35 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 23

The US market is showing renewed signs of instability. Positive signals about a potential de-escalation in the trade conflict with China are fueling hope, but experts warn against excessive optimism

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:17 2025-04-23 UTC+2

Trump says markets react: Nikkei up 2%, dollar strengthens, China awaits outcome

Nikkei jumps more than 2%, S&P 500 futures continue rally Dollar jumps as Trump says he has no plans to fire Powell Hopes for China tariff easing, but no deal

Thomas Frank 10:52 2025-04-23 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 22

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 continue to slide as mounting concerns over slowing economic growth and the impact of trade tariffs weigh on sentiment. The market remains volatile, with

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:13 2025-04-22 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, and gold at $3,000? Markets respond to alarming signals

Investors are worried about the Fed's independence under Trump. US assets are falling, and the dollar is at a three-year low against the euro. Safe-haven currencies like

11:46 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 21

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped once again after Donald Trump lashed out at the Federal Reserve. His comments called the independence of the central bank into question, amplifying inflation

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:41 2025-04-21 UTC+2

Trump, Fed, $3,000 Gold? Markets React to Red Flags

Investors Worried About Trump Fed Independence US Assets Fall, Dollar Hits Three-Year Low Against Euro Safe-Haven Yen, Swiss Franc Rise Gold Hits New Record High South Korea Stock Market

Thomas Frank 10:18 2025-04-21 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for April 18

Donald Trump ratcheted up his criticism against Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, once again calling for an immediate interest rate cut. This renewed political pressure adds to the tensions surrounding

Ekaterina Kiseleva 12:09 2025-04-18 UTC+2

When Giants Fall: How Alphabet and UnitedHealth Decisions Hurt the Market

Trading on U.S. stock markets ended in disarray on Thursday, with positive news from tech giants and pharma companies colliding with interest rate concerns. Market participants wavered between hopes

Thomas Frank 11:56 2025-04-18 UTC+2

Powell in danger? Can Trump fire Fed Chair and what does that mean for markets?

Donald Trump has once again set his sights on the Federal Reserve, accusing its chairman Jerome Powell of failing in monetary policy and threatening to fire him. But what lies

Аlena Ivannitskaya 08:43 2025-04-18 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.