Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoans paid less for food again in November after also recording a drop in October, according to the November 2025 Basic Food Index (BFI) report released last week by the Dept. of Commerce, which surveyed seven major food outlets.

The BFI for November reported a decline of -0.7%, and as in October, eggs have been the most significant contributor to this decrease, showing a drop of -12.8% to $2.65 a dozen. Other food items that have also decreased include sugar (-0.3%) $3.65, mayonnaise (-0.4%) $4.93, fish (-0.6%) $4.95, tuna (-1.7%) $2.35, and chicken (-3.7%)$18.29 for a 10kg case.

Despite the overall decrease in food prices, several food commodities — meat and dairy products — have increased this month, including corned beef (0.9%) $5.83, turkey tail (1.6%) $2.48, milk (2.4%) 2.57, ice cream (3.0%) $9.71, and sausage (3.3%) $2.22.

Additionally, nine food items have remained unchanged in November: banana, bread, butter, pork, rice, saimin, soda, taro, and water.

The Basic Food Index is a monthly rapid assessment of basic food items, to monitor the cost and availability of these 20 food products throughout the community. The BFI is not to be confused with the Quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a comprehensive standard measure of inflation and the cost of living in American Samoa.

A major upgrade to the survey coverage was implemented at the beginning of 2022, when 7 additional stores were included in the data collection process, extending coverage from Se'etaga in the West to Amouli in the East. In total, 14 major to mid-size retail stores have been selected for the monitoring of basic food costs.