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International prices of maize, wheat and rice dropped in March 2025. Rising trade tensions weighed on market sentiment for maize and wheat. Declines in world prices of grains were further driven by the arrival of the seasonal Southern Hemisphere supplies, weaker global import demand and diminished concerns over crop production concerns in some major exporters. International rice prices also declined, reflecting weak import demand and ample exportable supplies.
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FAO’s analysis of the latest available domestic staple food price data indicates that prolonged conflicts and macroeconomic challenges have sustained grain prices at elevated year-on-year levels in parts of East Africa and West Africa. In Southern Africa, white maize prices continued to increase in line with the trend that prevailed throughout most of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, in the Near East and North Africa region, prices of staple foods such as wheat flour, bread and rice have shown significant volatility over the past year, primarily due to conflicts and climate-related events. In Central America, white maize prices in March 2025 were lower compared to last year. In South America, wheat and yellow maize prices were generally higher year-on-year, driven by local strong demand and currency depreciation in some net-importing countries. In the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region, domestic wheat flour prices remained largely stable and close to year-earlier levels across most net-wheat importing countries. In Far East Asia and South America, rice prices were generally lower year-on-year, supported by adequate import volumes and increased local supplies from ongoing harvests.