May 8, 2017

Just as in March, meat was the only commodity whose price index being tracked by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation rose in April-by 1.7%, higher than the previous month's 0.7%.

The reason for the increase was that, according to FAO, the pig-meat prices increased in response to strong domestic demand in the European Union and increased sales to China.

Overall, the global food commodity prices fell in April amid expectations of ongoing robust supplies of many key staples.'

The FAO Food Price Index averaged 168 points in April, down 1.8% from March although remaining 10% higher than a year earlier.

FAO's food price index is a trade-weighted index tracking international market prices of five major food commodity groups.

The dairy price index fell 3.3% as production in the northern hemisphere entered peak season, allaying short-term sourcing concern.

The cereal price index also shed 1.2% in April, pushed down by sagging wheat prices.

Other price indices that recorded declines in April were for vegetable (3.9% on the month) and sugar (9.1% on the month).