World Perspectives
biofuel energy softs

Sugar Versus Ethanol in Brazil

Earlier this week (see WPI 11 December) we wrote that the potential reinstatement of the biodiesel blenders' tax credit could impact Brazilian sugar ethanol imports into the United States. Today we look at the Brazilian ethanol industry's problems maintaining its profitability.Ethanol producers in the United States sell their product to be blended with gasoline that is privately refined and marketed. In Brazil, however, ethanol makers deal with a government-owned entity, Petrobras. Unlike private oil companies that want to maximize their profits, Petrobras wants stable prices at the pump to keep taxpayers happy. There is in fact a cap on gas prices that Petrobras subsidizes. This cap comes at a cost to both Petrobras and cane ethanol refi...

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livestock

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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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