World Perspectives

Vietnam versus China; Surprising Chinese Transparency

Vietnam versus China They are both Communist-governed countries, but China more centrally controls its economy than does Vietnam. Beijing rationalizes its control as a socialist market economy (SME), whereas Hanoi is less interested in dirigisme, choosing to micromanage much less. In fact, while Beijing announced earlier this year a liberalization in foreign investment rules, it is Vietnam that is opening more broadly. Foreign ownership of Chinese equities traded on stock exchanges has been stuck at 2 percent, according to the China Daily. Investment in agricultural food processing and beverage manufacturing can only be done through joint ventures where foreign investors are limited to minority roles. By contrast, foreign investors own ne...

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Mercosur Regional Analysis

Weather Disrupts Argentine Corn Harvest  Heavy rains have compounded weeks of high humidity in Buenos Aires province, marking July as the wettest in the core region in 40 years. While the improved soil moisture will be beneficial for corn planting that’s set to begin in about a month...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry Bulk Markets  The dry bulk market rally of the past two weeks has ended with rates turning softer this week. The Capesize sector – which lead the recent rally – is now leading the way lower with the Panamax sector in tow. The reason for the weaker rates is that fresh cargo...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 30 July)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Mercosur Regional Analysis

Weather Disrupts Argentine Corn Harvest  Heavy rains have compounded weeks of high humidity in Buenos Aires province, marking July as the wettest in the core region in 40 years. While the improved soil moisture will be beneficial for corn planting that’s set to begin in about a month...

WPI Grain Transportation Report

Dry Bulk Markets  The dry bulk market rally of the past two weeks has ended with rates turning softer this week. The Capesize sector – which lead the recent rally – is now leading the way lower with the Panamax sector in tow. The reason for the weaker rates is that fresh cargo...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 30 July)

WPI Grain Prices and Freight Rate App Note: you can also visit the app directly by clicking here. Supplemental Information The section below offers a concise view of the options available in the current version of the WPI FOB Price and Freight Rate app, along with a short “How To”...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Good Weather Trumps Demand

Markets opened today pretty much where they ended in the overnight and pretty much stayed that way all day, which is to say in the red. And it did so pretty much across the board on lower volume. There was just not any real change in the story of impending big U.S. crops arriving on top of big...

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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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