Global food prices rose for a second consecutive month in August, as climate shocks and trade disruptions raised concerns over supply prospects, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations said Friday. The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in international prices of a basket of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 133.3 points in August 2026.
That was up 2.5 points, or 1.9 percent, from its revised July level and 3.3 points, or 2.5 percent, higher than a year ago. The index remained 26.9 points, or 16.8 percent, below its peak reached in March 2022. “August’s increase in global food prices is a warning that the risk premium is returning to food markets,” said Maximo Torero, FAO chief economist.
“Climate shocks, geopolitical tensions and disrupted trade logistics are converging to tighten supply expectations, showing that resilience, open trade and secure input flows are now central to global food-price stability,” Torero explained. All five commodity groups in the index recorded gains. The FAO Cereal Price Index rose 2.2 percent to 116.3 points, its highest level since May 2024.
Wheat prices climbed 2.6 percent on persistent Black Sea export disruptions and lower production prospects in Europe after hot and dry weather. Maize rose 2.5 percent amid concerns over U.S. and EU yields, strong ethanol and feed demand, and continued uncertainty over Ukraine’s export flows. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased 0.6 percent to 196.9 points, its third straight monthly gain and highest since June 2022.
The rise was driven by palm and soy oil, supported by robust import demand and worries over El Niño impacts in Southeast Asia. The FAO Sugar Price Index jumped 11.9 percent to 106.4 points, the biggest increase among groups, reaching its highest since June 2025. The surge reflected expectations of lower EU sugarbeet yields,