The Impact of Intermediate Input Price Changes on Food Prices: An Analysis of "From-the-Ground-Up" Effects

Abstract

The impact of intermediate input price increases on food prices is analyzed assuming the producers can pass through increased production costs to final consumers. Five scenarios of input price increases are empirically examined. Findings indicate that the meat processing sector has a strong dependence on intermediate inputs (livestock), and an increase in livestock prices would have a greater impact on processed meat prices than would any other intermediate input price increases. Price increases in the service sector would result in overall price increases in food prices comparable to increases in intermediate agricultural commodities. Further, price increases in nondurable goods have more influence on food price increases than durable goods.