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China sees higher food prices

Food prices in China have now reached their highest levels since January of 2012.

Their National Bureau of Statics is reporting July food prices were up more than nine percent from last year as higher pork and fruit prices push the index higher.

Fruit prices are up nearly 40 percent while dry weather there decreases production.  U.S. apples were the largest supplier in the Northern Hemisphere for China in June despite a 50 percent tariff.  Fresh U.S. fruit exports to China are about half of what they were last year because of tariffs.

Pork prices were 30 percent higher as China continues to battle African swine fever.

The consumer price index for China was up nearly three percent for July, a 17-month high mainly because of the increased food costs.