World milk output is forecast to reach nearly 828 million tonnes in 2018, up 2.1 percent from 2017. This year, milk outputs are anticipated to increase in all major regions, with the largest increase is anticipated in Asia, followed by Europe, North America, and South America. Africa, Oceania and Central America are anticipated to recover from downturns experienced in 2017. In 2018, World dairy exports are forecast to reach 75 million...

Export prices of maize from the United States of America increased in May, underpinned by the impact of heavy rains in key growing areas, which also limited the decline in the export prices of wheat. International prices of rice remained generally stable. In East Africa, severe early and mid-season dryness affecting production prospects for the 2019 harvests continued to support the increases in prices of maize in several countries of...

Countries requiring external assistance for food: FAO assesses that globally 39 countries are in need of external assistance for food. Persisting conflicts continue to be the dominant factor driving the high levels of severe food insecurity. Weather shocks have also adversely impacted food availability and access.

International prices of wheat and maize in April were generally higher, supported by weather concerns in key producing countries and brisk trade. International prices of rice increased in response to renewed import demand in Asia. In East Africa, in the Sudan, prices of staple foods, millet, sorghum and wheat, remained firm or increased in April and were at record or near-record highs, underpinned by a weak currency, the removal of...

The April 2018 issue of the FAO Rice Market Monitor (RMM) provides an analysis and forecasts of world rice production, utilization, and global rice inventories in 2017/2018 and 2018/19 season. It also covers the outlook of world trade in rice in calendar year 2018, as well as a review of international rice prices during the first quarter of 2018.

World meat output, comprising bovine, pig, poultry and ovine meat, is estimated at 330 million tonnes in 2017, an increase of 1 percent from 2016. Among the main meat producing countries, total meat output expanded in the United States (+2.8%), Brazil (+2.1%), the Russian Federation (+4%), Argentina (+4.8%), Mexico (+3.5%), India (+2.7); stagnated in China and the EU; but declined in South Africa (-2.5%). Across the main meat categories, poultry...

International prices of wheat and maize rose in March for the third consecutive month and averaged more than 10 percent above their levels in December 2017. Prices were mainly supported by concerns over the impact of prolonged dryness in key-growing areas of the United States of America and Argentina, coupled with strong demand. International rice prices remained relatively stable. In South America, severe dry weather and strong demand underpinned the...