Food prices show a small increase for August breaking the downward trend

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — After three months of downward trending, the Basic Food Index (BFI) for American Samoa showed a slight increase of 0.04% for the month of August 2025.

Eleven food items have experienced price increases, including turkey tail (5.0%) $2.30 lb, banana (2.6%) $1.57 lb, sausage (2.4%) $2.17, saimin (1.7%) 60¢, corned beef (1.6%) $5.70, taro (1.3%) $2.33 lb, pork spare ribs (1.1%) $1.90 lb, fresh fish (0.6%) $5 lb, butter (0.6%) $4.97, and milk (0.4%) $2.55, tuna (0.8%) $2.40.

While most food prices have increased, a few have decreased: mayonnaise (-0.2%) $4.99, sugar (- 0.5%) $3.70, ice cream (-0.7%) $9.61, bread (-1.1%) $3.56, and eggs (-11.7%) $4.53.

The prices of water, chicken, soda, and rice have remained unchanged for the month of August.

For more information, please contact the Department of Commerce Statistics& Analysis Division at 684-633-0120 or email [email protected].

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 BFI 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.