Chinese corn reserves were built up over many years as a result of government efforts to support domestic corn prices. It is now attempting various approaches to address those burdensome supplies, but there may be one in particular that is more effective.The Chinese government recently announced plans to double domestic biofuel production by 2020. Aside from lowering its dependence on imported oil, the effort is no doubt also intended to boost demand for corn since most of any increase would be in the form of ethanol. If China does meet its biofuel goal via that route, this would likely absorb an additional 3.25 MMT of corn per year. From China’s perspective, any growth in domestic corn demand is very desirable. However, doubling biofuel pr...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.