The Chinese mainland has witnessed a significant jump in vegetable prices this summer, with official data revealing a nearly 40% increase. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the average wholesale price for 28 tracked vegetables rose from 4.29 yuan (approximately $0.60) to 6 yuan per kilogram between June 17 and August 15.
Analysts attribute this surge to adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures and excessive rainfall, which are common during the summer months. Kong Fantao, deputy head of the Institute of Agricultural Economics and Development at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), explained that such weather patterns typically hinder vegetable growth and reduce market supply.
This year, the Chinese mainland experienced above-average rainfall, particularly in regions like Hunan, Shandong, Sichuan, and Anhui provinces. Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong convective weather have led to a decline in vegetable production. Additionally, muddy and damaged roads in vegetable fields have disrupted harvesting and transportation, further straining the supply chain.
As a result, the market has seen a tighter supply of certain vegetables, driving prices upward. Typically, vegetable prices rise from mid-June, peak in early September, and then begin to decline as conditions improve. However, this summer's extreme weather has accelerated the price increase, impacting consumers and the agricultural sector alike.
Reference(s):
High temperatures, frequent rainfall fuel vegetable price surge
cgtn.com
