Russian Grain and Oilseed Markets: 1–5 May 2023 Russia’s grain markets remain bearish. Russia is struggling with low prices for grains for domestic farmers and is not receiving sufficient revenue through export duties. Moreover, 1–9 May was a holiday season in Russia making it is very difficult to do business. Weather conditions in some areas of Russia are abnormal from frost to drought but recent rains in the south, Black Soil, and Volga Valley keep the overall forecasts for the 2023 grain crop positive. The factors which impact prices in Russia’s Black Sea area are still the same: export duties, RUB exchange rate, stocks which, especially for wheat, are record high, and Russia’s rhetoric around the UN...
Key Market Insights Geopolitical Limbo: Geopolitical risk remained a key driver across global commodity markets today. President Trump stated that the Iran memorandum of understanding is not yet final and warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Both sides continue w...
Key Takeaways: Drought remains a major threat to global agricultural production, particularly in regions with limited rainfall and growing water scarcity. Commercially available drought-tolerant traits in corn, soybeans, and wheat have generally delivered modest yield improvements, limiting th...
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.