China's national vegetable basket price index reached 125.78 in January, an increase of 3.26 points from the previous month. This rise was driven by seasonal changes in vegetable prices, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The average wholesale price of 28 key monitored vegetables across China stood at 5.32 yuan per kilogram, marking a 5.3% rise from the previous month and a 2.7% increase year on year. Among these, five vegetables saw price declines month on month, while 23 experienced price hikes. Cauliflower, green beans, bell peppers, lettuce, and eggplant noted price increases exceeding 10%.
Zhang Jing, a researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Information of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, stated, "There was a seasonal rise in vegetable prices in January. For one thing, the volume of vegetables transported from the south to the north went up during the Spring Festival holiday, which translated into higher costs in temperature control and transportation. For another, the production cost of greenhouse-grown vegetables in the north is higher than that of open-field varieties. Additionally, consumer spending during the festival period has also contributed to the uptick in price."
Zhang also mentioned that the total growing areas for vegetables nationwide are slightly higher than in the previous year, with a solid foundation for winter and spring vegetable production and supply. The seasonal price increase in January was relatively mild compared to previous years.
"Since the Spring Festival, a cold wave has lingered across the country, with temperatures in most regions lower than the average readings for this period. This will affect the growth and transportation of vegetables. The prices of some vegetables may rise further in the short term and in some areas," Zhang noted.
Source: Bastille Global Post
