Typhoon Hinnamnor Kills 21 in Asia; Taiwan Military Aids Hualien
Key Takeaways
- Typhoon Hinnamnor killed 21 and injured dozens across the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.
- US forecasts a 3.0% increase in overall food prices for 2025, driven by rising costs.
- Food prices in Spain have surged 34% since 2019, impacting low-income households disproportionately.
- Japan's egg prices are 1.27 times higher than average due to avian influenza impact.
- Drought in Basra, Iraq, threatens bee farms, projecting a 50% decrease in honey production.
Top Stories
Typhoon Hinnamnor kills 21, injures dozens in Asia.
On September 24, 2025, Super Typhoon Hinnamnor hit the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Guangdong, China, resulting in 21 deaths and numerous injuries. Guangdong relocated over 1 million people, and Hong Kong reported 90 injuries, with experts linking increased typhoon intensity to climate change.
Taiwan military aids Hualien after Typhoon Hinnamnor.
On September 24, 2025, Taiwan's Defense Minister Gu Lixiong directed the military to support local governments in Hualien to recover from the damage caused by Typhoon Hinnamnor.
HK offers emergency relief for farmers hit by Typhoon Hinnamnor.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced that local farmers, fish farmers and fishermen who have suffered serious losses due to Super Typhoon Hinnamnor can apply for the Emergency Relief Fund starting tomorrow (September 26).
US forecasts 3.0% food price increase in 2025.
In September 2025, the Economic Research Service projected a 3.0% rise in overall US food prices for 2025, driven by increases in both food-at-home (2.4%) and food-away-from-home (3.9%) costs, with beef and egg prices expected to surge.
Food prices in Spain up 34% since 2019, ECB reports.
On September 25, 2025, the ECB reported that food prices in Spain have increased by 34% since the end of 2019. This surge is attributed to the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, rising energy and fertilizer costs, labor costs, and climate phenomena, disproportionately affecting low-income households.
Japan's egg prices to remain high due to bird flu.
In September 2025, egg prices in Japan were 1.27 times higher than average, at 303 yen per pack, and are expected to remain high for the rest of the year due to the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Wholesale prices of M-size eggs last month were 310 yen, up 42% year-on-year.
Drought threatens bee farms, honey production in Basra, Iraq.
Bee farms in Basra, Iraq, face a severe crisis due to drought and high water salinity in the Shatt al-Arab, leading to the death of thousands of hives and a projected 50% decrease in honey production this season.
Price Volatility
Rising rice prices in Japan spark concerns over household impact.
On September 25, 2025, Yahoo! News discussed rising rice prices in Japan, with user comments indicating that price increases are unavoidable due to high costs of materials and labor shortages. Concerns were raised about the impact on household budgets and declining rice consumption.
US cattle herd at historic low, impacting global beef prices.
In 2025, the United States faces its smallest cattle herd in recent history, putting pressure on meat supply and influencing global prices. Rabobank forecasts a slow recovery of the US herd, which is expected to reach 28 million head in 2026.
Regional Hotspots
Central America faces rising hunger, agricultural vulnerability.
On September 25, 2025, research revealed that Central America is facing a multicrisis that is triggering hunger and agricultural vulnerability. Food insecurity increased from 34% to 45% between 2014 and 2022 due to natural disasters, pandemics, and price hikes.
Dominican Republic raises alerts for 16 provinces due to rains.
On September 25, 2025, the Emergency Operations Center (COE) raised alerts for 16 provinces in the Dominican Republic, including Greater Santo Domingo, due to a tropical wave and a trough causing heavy rains.
Relief Efforts
Maharashtra seeks flood relief contributions for farmers.
On September 25, 2025, Maharashtra's Sports Minister Manikrao Kokate appealed to citizens to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to support farmers and families affected by floods across the state.
Road to Recovery
Hong Kong restores fresh food supply after typhoon.
On September 25, 2025, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced that the supply of fresh subsidiary food such as vegetables and sea fish has gradually resumed in Hong Kong.
Supply Chain Shocks
Coffee futures mixed amid supply concerns, Vietnam output rises.
On September 25, 2025, coffee futures showed mixed movements in New York and London, driven by low stocks, US tariffs on Brazilian coffee, and climate concerns in Vietnam, while Vietnamese robusta production is expected to reach 1.76 million tons.
US soybean futures fall as China buys more from Argentina.
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, US soybean futures fell due to concerns about exports, as China increased its purchases of Argentine soybeans, diverting attention from US imports.