World Perspectives

Asia-Pacific Trade Policy

India  put the final nail in the coffin of the WTO's Doha Round with its upending of the Bali agreement from last year. This has left plurilateral preferential trade agreements as the only avenues available.China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed to "upgrade" their relationship to a free trade agreement. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members meeting in Beijing in November are expected to announce initiation of a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). This is in addition to, or in competition with, the ongoing Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. In fact, the new announcements likely put pressure on TPP negotiators.Still, there are some strange bedfellows in all of th...

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WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry bulk freight rates cratered this week as China started its Golden Week holiday, which blanketed markets with calm and quiet. Pacific markets were especially dull and weaker, especially amid doubts about how China’s grain demand will play out after the holiday. China still has not book...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 1 October)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry bulk markets are mixed this week as the Capesize sector saw renewed strength while Panamax and Supramax markets struggled to maintain rates.  Capesize markets were higher on iron ore demand from west Australia with a steady flow of cargo bookings through the week. The improved booking...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry bulk freight rates cratered this week as China started its Golden Week holiday, which blanketed markets with calm and quiet. Pacific markets were especially dull and weaker, especially amid doubts about how China’s grain demand will play out after the holiday. China still has not book...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 1 October)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry bulk markets are mixed this week as the Capesize sector saw renewed strength while Panamax and Supramax markets struggled to maintain rates.  Capesize markets were higher on iron ore demand from west Australia with a steady flow of cargo bookings through the week. The improved booking...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry bulk markets were volatile last week but failed to settle on much of a direction. Capesize markets stabilized and seemed to be finding a little support, which helped stabilize other vessel sectors. Miners in the Pacific remain consistently active, which is supporting Capesize rates in the r...

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