29 May 2019

2019- n° 148

In April 2019, agricultural prices increased by 4.6% over one year Indices of agricultural prices - April 2019

In April 2019, agricultural producer prices continued to increase over one year (+4.6% after +2.9% in March and +4.3% in February). Excluding fruit and vegetables, they were up by 4.9% over one year and by 0.8% over one month.

In April 2019, cereal prices rose slightly over a month (+0.4% after −4.0% in March and −5.8% in February). They were still dynamic over one year (+10.1% after +10.2% in March). Soft wheat prices gained 0.4% over one month in April after two months of sharp decline (−4.6% in March and −4.9% in February). This was the result of various factors: prices were supported by buoyant demand, particularly from North Africa, but at the same time crop prospects were very high. Grain maize prices fell again: −1.9% over one month after −3.9% in March, also in connection with a favorable outlook for production. Oilseed prices rebounded over a month (+1.1% after −1.5% in March). Rapeseed prices increased by 1.3% following the trend in Nothern America oilseeds (US soybeans and Canadian canola) and in crude oil prices.

In April 2019, fresh fruit prices decreased by 11.7% over one year. All seasonal fruits prices declined: the ones of apples (−12.1% over one year) and pears (−6.3%) but also the ones of kiwis (−17.5%) and strawberries (−10.1% ). Fresh vegetables prices increased by 7.5% over one year. They were driven by the sharp rise in prices for condiments (shallots, onions and parsley), cauliflower (+20.5%), carrots (+7.5%) and endives (+3.8%). On the other hand, prices for tomatoes (−3.4%), salads (−15.8%) and asparagus (−5.7%) were down over one year.

In April 2019, animal prices rose by 0.8% after two months of near stability. Cattle prices rebounded slightly over one month (+0.3% after −0.9%) while those of pigs accelerated sharply (+6.4% after +2.2% in March). The spread of the swine flu epidemic in China and South East Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia) has greatly increased demand for export from European markets in April. Over one year, the price of pigs jumped by 15.2% after +1.9% in March.

In April 2019, egg prices rebounded over one month (+12.3% after −11.2% in March). Over one year, they decreased by 12.4% (after −29.5% in March). The period of sharp declines which followed high prices observed during the fipronil crisis, is close to its end. Prices of cow's milk accelerated over one year: +6.6% in March 2019 after +2.3% in February. The drop in milk production, due to insufficient fodder harvested during the dry months of 2018, had an upward impact on prices.

In April 2019, intermediate consumption purchase prices were almost stable (+0.1%). Energy prices rose by 1.5% in one month, while animal feed prices (−0.4%) and fertilizers and amendments prices (−0.6%) were down. These prices remained dynamic over one year: +4.7% for energy, +5.8% for animal feed and +8.3% for ffertilizers and amendments. Overall, intermediate consumption purchase prices increased by 3.5% over one year.

Prices of capital goods were up slightly over one month (+ 0.2%) and up 2.8% over one year.

March 2019 over one year variations of IPPAP has been rosen by 0.7 points to +2.9%. This correction is due to the revision of the price of cow's milk and the prices of eggs. March 2019 over one year variations of IPAMPA (+3.9%) have not changed.