Agriculture supply was up in December
The monthly survey of agricultural food supplies at the local markets by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics in December 2024 showed that the overall volume increased by two per cent from November 2024.
This increase was primarily due to significant increases in the supply of breadfruit, taro, pumpkin, and coconut. However, in comparison to December 2023, the overall volume fell by 10 per cent.
Meanwhile, the overall price index increased by 1% from the previous month, mainly driven by the higher prices recorded for coconut, Chinese cabbage, and head cabbage. In comparison to December 2023, the overall price index also rose by 4 per cent.
In December 2024, the volume of taro supplied to local markets increased by 25 per cent to 3,993 kilograms compared to November 2024 but decreased by 43 per cent compared to December 2023. The average price of taro decreased by three per cent from the previous month but rose by 13 per cent compared to December 2023.
Annually, the supply of taro increased by 27 per cent, while its price decreased by two per cent compared to the year ending December 2023.
The supply of bananas to local markets in December 2024 decreased by 32 per cent to 1,182 kilograms compared to November 2024, while the average price fell by two per cent to $2.18 per kilogram.
Compared to the same month last year, the current banana supply declined by 41 per cent, whereas the average price rose by 18 per cent.
Annually, banana supply decreased by six per cent, while the average price increased by six per cent compared to the year ending December 2023.
In December 2024, the average supply of ta'amu to local markets was 340 kilograms, representing a 36 per cent decrease from the previous month, while the average price fell nine per cent to $5.95 per kilogram. Compared to the same month last year, the supply of ta'amu increased by more than sevenfold, while the average price dropped by 48 per cent.
Annually, the supply of ta’amu increased in the year ending December 2024 compared to the year ending December 2023, while its average price fell by 53 per cent.
Coconut supply totalled 4,642 kilograms in December 2024, rising by six per cent from November 2024. Meanwhile, the average price rose by 11 per cent to $1.03 per kilogram. However, compared to December 2023, the current coconut supply decreased by two per cent, while the average price went up by four per cent.
Over the 12 months ending December 2024, coconut supply rose by 22 per cent, while the average price rose by one per cent compared to the same period ending December 2023. Breadfruit supply increased by 59 per cent to 135 kilograms in December 2024 compared to the previous month, while its average price declined by 38 per cent to $2.22 per kilogram. However, compared to December 2023, the current supply of breadfruit fell by 46 per cent, and its average price fell by 18 per cent.
In December 2024, the overall supply of vegetables to local markets decreased, except for pumpkin, which increased by 17 per cent compared to the previous month. Head cabbage and Chinese cabbage supplies fell by 35 per cent each, while tomatoes and cucumbers fell by 14 per cent in the reviewed month.
The average number of sellers in December 2024 was 232, a four per cent decrease from November 2024 but increased by 20 per cent compared to the same month last year.