Russian Grain Markets: 9-13 April 2018 The key factor influencing the Russian grain markets was the U.S. introduction of new sanctions on 6 April, which caused the ruble rate to drop significantly. Sellers immediately raised their offer prices, and bid prices also grew but at a slower rate. The price increases were mainly in the European part of Russia, while the changes in Siberia were minimal. The milling wheat export price climbed $4.00/MT to $210/MT FOB Black Sea. Meanwhile, purchase prices at the seaports rose significantly (in RUB expression) to $195-206/MT CPT-Black Sea port. The feed barley export price was stable at $220/MT FOB, but the CPT-Black Sea port price grew (in RUB expression) to $206/MT. The average corn export price inc...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
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...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.