Local market activity slowed in January as the number of vendors fell by 21 per cent from the previous month, and the total value of produce supplied declined by 12 per cent, according to the Samoa Bureau of Statistics’ (SBS) January 2026 Local Market Survey.

The bureau reported that 243 sellers were recorded across surveyed markets in January, down from December and representing a 12 per cent decrease compared with January 2025. The average value of produce supplied to local markets was $120,100, a 12 per cent drop from December and two per cent lower than the same month last year.

The survey measured the price and volume of selected agricultural produce at local markets in Fugalei, Taufusi, Vaitele, Lotopa, Ululoloa, Afega, Saleimoa, Vaoala, Moata’a, Faatoia and Salelologa. The data reflects average availability and prices collected weekly during the month.

Overall supply volume decreased nine per cent compared with December 2025, reflecting reduced supplies of most agricultural produce except for ta’amu and taro. Despite the monthly decline, total volume was 12 per cent higher than in January 2025.

The overall price index fell by five per cent from the previous month. Lower prices were recorded for most agricultural produce, except for Chinese cabbage, tomatoes and bananas. Compared with January 2025, the overall price level was down 14 per cent.

Among staple crops, taro supply increased 15 per cent from December to 6,047 kilograms, while the average price declined eight per cent to $4.68 per kilogram. However, compared with January 2025, taro supply fell 22 per cent, and the average price dropped 14 per cent.

Banana supply decreased 11 per cent month-on-month, while the average price rose 6 per cent. Compared with the same month last year, supply declined 53 per cent, and the average price fell six per cent.

Breadfruit recorded one of the sharpest declines, with supply down 70 per cent from December to 55 kilograms. Compared with January 2025, breadfruit supply decreased by 93 per cent, while the average price rose by 61 per cent.

Vegetable produce vendors accounted for 55 per cent of all sellers in January, down from 59 per cent in December but up from 45 per cent a year earlier. Pumpkin was the leading contributor to total market value at 55 per cent, followed by taro at 24 per cent. SBS said that prices for selected produce are taken from the Consumer Price Index.