Root crops such as taro, bananas, ta'amu, coconuts, and breadfruit showed varied supply and price trends in Samoa's local markets during January 2025. The Local Market Survey by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics reported a 94% increase in taro supply to 7,741 kg, with stable prices from December 2024. Annually, taro supply rose 21%, with a 2% price decrease.
Banana supply more than doubled from December 2024, with a 3% price drop to $2.11 per kg. Compared to January 2024, the banana supply increased by 11%, while prices rose by 31%. Annually, supply decreased by 7%, with a 7% price increase.
Ta'amu supply rose 50% from the previous month to 509 kg, with a 3% price increase to $6.13 per kg. Year-on-year, supply was 11 times higher, with a 42% price drop. Annually, ta'amu supply increased, with a 53% price decrease.
Coconut supply totaled 6,310 kg, a 36% increase from December 2024, with a 3% price decrease to $1.00 per kg. Compared to January 2024, supply increased by 13%, with a 2% price decrease. Annually, coconut supply rose 29%, with a 1% price decrease.
Breadfruit supply increased more than fivefold from the previous month, with a 38% price decrease to $1.37 per kg. Compared to January 2024, supply more than doubled, with a 40% price decrease. Annually, supply increased 39%, with a 16% price decrease.
Yam supply was stable at 72 kg, with an 11% price decrease to $7.35 per kg. Year-on-year, yam supply and price decreased by 42% and 21%, respectively. Annually, supply decreased 18%, with a 5% price increase.
Vegetable supply decreased overall, with head cabbage down 52%, Chinese cabbage down 41%, cucumber down 31%, tomato down 22%, and pumpkin down 12%. Average prices increased, with Chinese cabbage up 55% to $17.18 per kg, head cabbage up 42% to $17.12 per kg, cucumber up 38% to $9.52 per kg, tomato up 28% to $29.15 per kg, and pumpkin up 12% to $6.43 per kg compared to January 2024.
The average number of sellers in January 2025 was 275, up 18% from December 2024 and 10% year-on-year.
Source: Samoa Observer