Economic norms are being dramatically changed by the coronavirus. Nearly 70 countries now restrict the export of medical supplies. There is also now a stronger push for government intrusion into agricultural markets. Some in Europe are calling for a return to intervention stocks to prop up prices, reduce food losses and boost food security. Meanwhile, India has invoked the peace clause of the WTO’s temporary policy on Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes to justify the country spending more on rice subsidies than is allowed under the Uruguay Round’s de minimis clause. India makes the dubious argument that its policy is not trade distorting because even though it is the largest exporter of rice, it isn’t ex...
The U.S. and Iran announced a framework peace deal. Crude oil futures dropped to $83.08, the lowest since early March. The breakthrough comes as President Trump said that if Iran failed to reach a deal, he would order renewed military attacks. An LNG tanker chartered by India’s Petronet c...
Vessel supplies in the tanker sector are tightening as vessels are “disappearing” from the position list. There is some indication that the position list on both sides of the Suez is “wanting” right now and many are expecting an uptick in rates. There is an odd lack of t...
From WPI Consulting
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.