Pago Pago, AMRICAN SAMOA — The Basic Food Index (BFI) continued its downward trend in October, recording a monthly change of -0.2% compared to September. The BFI serves as a timely tool for tracking rapid changes in basic food prices and is distinct from the comprehensive Quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI), which serves as a standard measure of overall inflation and the cost of living in American Samoa.

Eight food items contributed to this overall decline, banana prices fell by (9.3%) to $1.46 per lb in October, following a (4.7%) decline from $1.69 to $1.61 in September. 

Other items recording price changes include rice (-3.6%) $4.87, soda (-1.9%) $1.04, sugar (-1.5%) $3.39, corned beef (-1.2%) $5.78, turkey tail (-0.8%) $2.43, pork spare ribs (-0.9%) $2.09, and ice cream (-0.5%) $10.50 for 2 liters.

In contrast, nine food items registered price increases during October, including sausage (3.6%) $2.31 a lb, saimin (1.7%} 61¢ a package, fresh fish (1.8%) $5.79 lb, fresh milk (1.9%) $2.64 a carton, small eggs (1.1 %) $1.92 a dozen, chicken legs (0.6%) $19.93 for a 10 kg case, taro (0.4%) $2.36 lb, canned tuna (0.4%) $2.46 a can, and mayonnaise (0.2%) $4.97 a bottle.

Meanwhile, prices for water 50¢ a bottle, long loaf of bread $3.60, and butter $4.99 remained stable with no changes over the month.

The Basic Food Index (BFI) is a monthly rapid assessment conducted by the Statistics & Analysis Division of the American Samoa Department of Commerce. It monitors the cost and availability of 20 essential food products across 14 major to mid-size retail stores throughout the community, extending from Se'etaga in the West to Amouli in the East following a major survey coverage upgrade implemented in early 2022.