World Perspectives
softs

Rice Signals Future

Global rice stocks are down just 2.7 percent this year, but the drop is larger in key rice consuming countries, plus the largest rice exporting nation, India, imposed an export restriction. This has caused an exaggerated response in price with global values rising 29 percent year-on-year.  This has caused problems in Malaysia where domestic rice was in shortfall and then the government raised the price of imported product by 36 percent to reflect the global market. By contrast, Pakistan’s rice output is up 63 percent and is the second largest crop on record. It looks to export 5 MMT, a 40 percent increase. The U.S. will see a 32 percent increase in rice exports.  El Nino is blamed for the volatility in rice production, and...

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livestock

Livestock Roundup: High Prices and China Persist

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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.

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