Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST COMMENTS Morocco has announced that the duty on durum and soft wheat imports will be suspended from 1 January - 30 April 2020. This is being done to “ensure a regular supply of wheat and to maintain price stability”. Trade experts say that Morocco may have to import as much as 8.2 MMT of all cereals, including about 4.8 MMT of wheat – this due to the very dry year and poor local crops. Morocco has opened a tender for U.S. durum wheat as the import tax on durum wheat has also been lifted. The tender is for about 350,000 MT for arrival by 21 May 2020. The durum wheat crop in the U.S. has not been very good this year so Morocco will probably find that U.S. prices will be muc...
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...