The U.S. lifted its decades-long ban on crude oil exports in December 2015. Prior to the ban, they had essentially only been allowed to Canada with two exceptions. A review of the latest available data six months after removal of restrictions reveals a few interesting developments.The U.S. lifted its decades-long ban on crude oil exports in December 2015. Prior to the ban, they had essentially only been allowed to Canada with the exceptions being cargoes of Alaskan crude and re-exports of non-U.S. crude. Part of the rationale for the removal of restrictions was that the export demand would support high production and the U.S. crude would add to the world supply, which would keep prices stabilized. Based on prices to date, the monthly averag...
What You Need to Know Today: Russia rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, including a proposal to halt attacks on civilian shipping that could help restore grain flows from Ukrainian ports. Tyson Foods announced plans to permanently close its Joslin, Illinois, beef processing facili...
The big news in the cattle markets yesterday was Tyson Foods’ move to close two more beef plants. One of them, the Joslin, Illinois, plant was shuttered immediately after the announcement. The other, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, is a case-ready plant that does not slaughter cattle. Tyson also...
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. In July, the CPI rose 0.1 percent, seasonally adjusted, and rose 3.4 percent over the last 12 months, not seasonally adjusted. The index for all items less food and energy, or the “core” infla...
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.