Regional News French traders continue to express concern about losing wheat market share with Algeria and now China increasingly relying on Russian wheat. Recent news that China waived phytosanitary requirements for Russian wheat and barley are increasing worries that the Middle Kingdom, so far a major buyer of French wheat given the poor quality of the 2021/22 harvest, will favor Russian grain going forward. The weather in northern Africa remains hot and dry, which is escalating concerns for a significant crop-damaging drought in the region. European traders are watching the situation carefully as a crop failure in the region could pull large volumes of wheat, barely, and maize from the EU into Africa. Additionally, parts of...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...