Rising food protectionism risks worsening inflation: Experts

Surging food prices hurt poorest countries most, but wealthier economies not immune either

Food protectionism is on the rise in the developing world as governments try to safeguard local supplies, and the effects are threatening to spill over into richer economies.

Many countries are restricting food exports to cope with high prices that have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Malaysia just announced a ban on chicken exports, causing consternation in Singapore which gets a third of its supplies from its neighbour.

India has moved to curb wheat and sugar shipments, Indonesia has limited palm oil sales, and some other nations have issued grain quotas.

The poorest countries are most vulnerable to surging food prices and shortages, but wealthier economies are not immune. For example, almost 10 million Britons cut back on food in April amid a cost-of-living crisis.

Restaurants in the United States are shrinking the size of their portions, while France has pledged to issue food vouchers to some households.