iMF Works with Vulnerable States on Food Price Policies

The IMF is working with vulnerable member countries to 

assess the fiscal, balance of payments, and income effects of 

higher food prices and of higher commodity prices more 

generally.

Several countries have asked for extra financial support to 

cover higher food import costs, and an IMF mission will shortly 

travel to Haiti to review the country’s need for increased financial 

assistance. 

External Relations Department Director Masood Ahmed said 

at an April 24 news conference that the IMF is also “working with 

the member countries that are likely to be affected to assess the 

impact of the higher food prices, and of higher commodity prices 

more generally, on their balance of payments and fiscal situation.”

The impact of food price increases on the most vulnerable populations, 

notably the urban poor, has significant social 

implications—as attested by recent food riots and strikes in 

several African countries. Many sub-Saharan African countries