Food Prices Continue to see Slight Decreases In Antigua and Barbuda, June CPI Reveals

The Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance’s Statistics Division has released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for June 2025, revealing a complex economic landscape marked by contrasting trends in food, energy, and core inflation sectors. Year-on-year analysis shows a modest 0.2% rise in the CPI for the twelve months ending June 2025, a notable recovery from the 0.6% decline recorded in May. However, the All Items Less Food and Energy index remained unchanged, reflecting a balancing act within core inflation metrics. The Food index experienced a 0.8% decline over the same period, driven by significant drops in vegetable prices, including lettuce (-60.6%), frozen vegetable blends (-23.0%), and onions (-13.8%). Other food subcategories, such as fish and seafood (-3.2%), oils and fats (-6.3%), and dairy products (-2.2%), also contributed to the downturn. Conversely, the Energy index surged by 5.4%, underscoring ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Monthly data highlights a 1.0% increase in the CPI for June, with the Food index rising 0.9% after a 0.4% drop in May. Notable monthly gains were observed in fruits (3.5%) and vegetables (2.8%), while transport services (8.4%) and health-related expenses (9.6%) saw significant hikes. These increases were partially offset by declines in recreation and culture (-5.1%) and household maintenance (-4.1%). The report underscores the intricate interplay of inflationary pressures across sectors, with implications for consumer spending and economic policy.