Yesterday, Argentina temporarily stopped its export tax on grains and co-products, as well as beef and poultry, something President Javier Milei had proposed during his campaign. The final decision, however, came as the country is desperate for U.S. dollars to shore up the flagging peso. Further, the move is about a month out from congressional elections. The decree signed yesterday applies to soy, subject to a 26 percent export tax, corn subject to a 9.5 percent tax, and wheat, and all by products – including biodiesel. Soyoil and meals are subject to a 24.5 percent export tax. It will last until the end of October, or until exports reach $7 billion. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that swap lines, direct...
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.
Commodity markets – being composed primarily of human beings – reflect the impatience and forever forward-looking nature of humans. In the present case, this means that while the September WASDE offered some much-needed and much-desired updates, markets are now focused on that etern...