The overall volume of produce available in the local markets dropped 4 percent in July while the average prices remained unchanged when compared to the previous month.

In its monthly local market survey, the Samoa Bureau of Statistics said the significant reduction in the supply of pumpkin, coconut, head cabbage and cucumber contributed to decline in volume index. 

A decline in overall supply pushed the price index up 0.3 percent with average prices of all produce increasing with the exception of coconut, yam, head cabbage, tomato and Chinese cabbage. 

When compared with July 2018, the current overall price was 1 percent higher. 

The volume of taro supplies for the month increased 10 percent (to 4,747 kilograms) from the previous month, which is 18 percent lower than the corresponding month last year.

The average price of taro also increased 9 percent (to $2.87 per kilogram) driven by increased demand, compared to June last year, current price of taro was 10 percent lower. 

Despite the increase in volume, current supply of taro contributed to a 31 percent decline in volume when comparing the 12 months ending July 2019 over the 12 months ending July 2018. Price rose 27 percent.

The supply of banana rose 15 percent (to 2,062 kilograms) from June 2019, which is more than four times when compared to the same month last year. 

Average price of banana rose 6 percent (to $1.38 per kilogram) due to strong domestic demand. When compared with the same month last year, current price was 31 percent lower. 

The supply of bananas was 15 percent higher while average price decreased 3 percent when comparing the 12 months ending July 2019, over the same period last year. 

Ta’amu supplies increased 51 percent (to 548 kilograms) from the previous month while strong domestic demand pushed its average price up 7 percent (to $7.12 per kilogram). Compared to July 2018, current supply of ta’amu was 23 percent lower and average price 27 percent higher. 

Current supply of ta’amu contributed to a 40 percent decreased in ta’amu volume when comparing the 12 months ending July 2019 over 12 months ending July 2018, and its limited availability increased its average price by 33 percent. 

At 7,237 kilograms the supply of coconut decreased 16 percent from the previous month while less demand pushed its average price down 3 percent (to 0.94 per kilogram). 

“Current availability of coconut was 28 percent higher than average availability of coconut was 28 percent higher than average availability in July 2018 while average price fell 7 percent over the year. 

“Comparing the 12 months ending July 2019 over the 12 months ending July 2018, supply of coconut was 7 percent higher while its average price also rose 32 percent.”

Breadfruit supply fell 27 percent when compared to the previous month while limited supply pushed its average price up 2 percent (to $1.49 kilogram). 

“When compared with the same month last year, current breadfruit supply was 61 percent higher while its average price was 33 percent lower. 

“When comparing the 12 months ending July 2019 over the 12 months ending July 2018, breadfruit supplies were 19 percent higher while its average price increased 12 percent.” 

The supply of yam in the month under review rose 84 percent (to 410 kilograms) from the previous month while increased supply pushed its average price down 4 percent (to $4.13 per kilogram). 

“When compared with July 2018, current supply of yam was more than triple while increased supply over the year pushed its average price down 18 percent. 

“Current supply of yam in the month under review contributed to a 12 percent increase in volume in the twelve months ending July 2019 over the 12 months ending July 2018, while its average price rose 35 percent.”