GOOD MORNING, Finally, the day of signing is here for the Phase One deal. US Trade Rep Lighthizer and US Sec. Mnuchin said that all parts of the phase one deal will be made public today, with the event taking place at 10:30 Chicago time. Specifics on commodities may remain murky at best, with traders probably not getting all the answers to the question of how much will be purchased, and in what time frame. Speculation of future business continues to underpin beans, even though Brazil beans are cheaper right now than US. Still, headlines from the likes of Commerzbank that stated that "China's high bean imports for the month of December could be a taste of things to come in the next few months" makes it difficult to b...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets remain mixed with Capesize vessels seeing continued pressure from weaker demand while fixtures and rate strength gradually increases towards the smaller vessel classes. Tanker markets are pulling back from their recent highs as tonnage moves out of the Mid...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
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.