FAO’s latest forecast for global cereal production in 2003 is 1 874 million tonnes, 2 percent more than in 2002 but still less than the expected utilization in 2003/04, which is forecast at 1 971 million tonnes. As a result, global cereal stocks are expected to be drawn down massively to 382 million tonnes.

World cereal trade is forecast to fall significantly in 2003/04 to 227 million tonnes, the lowest level in 6 years. Most of this large decline is being driven by wheat and to a lesser extent by rice; trade in coarse grains is expected to increase slightly.

Prices for most cereals remain under downward pressure. International wheat prices weakened during September and October, mostly influenced by the sharp reduction in global import demand. Export prices for nearly all types of coarse grains remained generally stable over the same period. Only international rice prices showed any significant signs of strengthening, and continued to rally in all categories except for the lower quality Indica rice.

A continued recovery in meat prices in the short-term is expected to prompt a slight rebound in meat production in 2004. The influence of trade restricting measures in major meat importing countries is likely to persist in 2004 limiting upward price movement.

International prices for dairy products rose between August and October 2003, after being stable during the first half of the year. For the remainder of 2003, prices are expected to show a further moderate increase.

While global output of oilcrops and products is expected to increase robustly in marketing season 2003/04, prices for oilseeds, and oils and fats should also increase with firm demand and low stocks. Prices of meals may fall under higher supplies and slow growth in feed demand.

Record sugar production and surplus stocks will continue to pressure world sugar prices into the new year, as more finalized forecasts for 2002/03 indicate an additional 10.2 million tonnes of output.

The Food Outlook Preview is at http://www.fao.org/giews/english/fo/fo0305p/0305pe01.htm
The complete report in PDF format will be available later this month at http://www.fao.org/giews/english/fo/fotoc.htm

Published 5 times a year, "Food Outlook" provides a global perspective on the production, stocks and trade of cereals and other basic food commodities, through an analysis of trends and prospects. Food Outlook contains analysis and statistical information on developments in the world cereal markets, export prices and ocean freight rates. Special features are included on the impact of El Niño/La Niña on food and agriculture, specific commodity markets such as meat and milk, cassava, sugar and fats and oils, as well as trends in global food aid availability and shipments, and on food emergencies around the world.