Regional News Ukraine’s grain exports for MY 2021/22 total 33.5 MMT, up 23 percent from the same period last year. Of that, wheat accounts for 24.5 MMT with corn exports totaling 30.9 MMT and barely totaling 5.2 MMT. Milling Wheat The two biggest wheat market surprises these past few weeks were the persistent weakness in U.S. values and the huge discount French wheat held to other origins in the latest Egyptian purchase. U.S. futures have fallen steadily since mid-December, except for rallies Friday and Monday. The weakness was in response to slow U.S. exports as well as diminishing weather threats for the crop in the southern Plains. U.S. wheat futures have also been on the defensive as China has consistently pur...
What You Need to Know Today: U.S. and Chinese officials are expected to discuss agriculture and non-tariff trade barriers ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington later this month, potentially opening the door to additional U.S. agricultural purchases or improved marke...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets are mixed this week with larger vessel classes seeing strong demand from iron ore and coal while Supramax and Handysize rates remain steady. Congestion at the Panama Canal has eased but forward booking slots are showing signs of bottlenecks as draft levels...
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.