Net new export sales of U.S. soybeans last week totaled only 155,000 MT. However, this year's total is 41.248 MMT, 2.7 percent above USDA's December forecast for U.S. soybean exports in all of 2013/14. India Raises Tariff on Refined Vegoils to 10 Percent The government of India (GOI) today raised its tariff on refined vegoils from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. It left the tariff rate for crude vegoils unchanged at 2.5 percent. The country's vegoil refiners have been pressing for the refined oil tariff rate increase as large growth in refined oil imports has sharply curtailed the country's refined oil production. Imports of refined palm oil increased by 40.5 percent to 2.2 MMT in the first 10 months of CY 2013, mainly because both Indonesia a...
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...
From WPI Consulting
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.