Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Wheat on the Rise

Have you noticed that a loaf of bread is costing a bit more at your local grocery store lately? Check out the chart below of wheat prices for at least a partial explanation.

So, what's driving higher wheat prices? Recent articles from the New York Times and USA Today provide a nice reminder of various forces that affect supply and demand. Growing international demand along with droughts that have reduced supply both contribute to price increases. Also, some farmers have shifted from wheat to corn to try to take advantage of ethanol subsidies further reducing supply.

1 comment:

  1. Tell me what is not on the rise on our supermarket shelves. I am paying £1.16 pence for a loaf of which I buy two a day - that totals £2.32 and over a week period I am spending near on £16.00 with no money left to add a filling to a sandwich.

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