FAO Cereal Price Index up in May

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged 114.3 points in May, up 2.9 points (2.6%) from April and 5.3 points (4.9%) from its level a year earlier. The continued increase reflected higher prices across all major cereals.

World wheat prices rose for the fourth consecutive month in May, supported by smaller expected harvests in major exporters, including the United States of America, where winter wheat crop conditions are among the least favourable in decades, while higher fuel and fertilizer costs added further upward pressure globally.

Maize prices continued to be supported by stronger import demand in key markets, tighter availability in Brazil and the United States of America, and firmer energy prices boosting ethanol-related demand.

International prices of sorghum and barley increased mainly due to spillover effects from tighter global maize and wheat markets.

The FAO All Rice Price Index increased by 2.7 percent in May 2026, as weather concerns and higher prices of crude oil and its derivatives underpinned quotations in some leading Asian exporting countries.