World Perspectives
biofuel energy

G-7 Exchange Rates, Oil and U.S. Trade

The U.S. trade deficit dropped to a seasonally adjusted $38.5 billion in November, down 21 percent from October and the smallest deficit in nearly three years. Interestingly -- especially on the biofuels front, when the implication of the blend wall is considered -- the trade deficit largely was driven by the energy sector. Record volumes of petroleum products were exported, while crude oil imports were down to a 16-year low. Since 2005, real oil imports are down 22 percent, but real oil exports through petroleum products have tripled due to increased mileage automobiles and the displacement of some products via biofuels and increased domestic production. The U.S. became a net exporter of petroleum products in 2011 for the first time sinc...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mostly a Low Volume, Higher Close Day

It was the lowest trading volume day of the week for grains and soybeans. It started with soyoil the only major contract trading lower, but by mid-session it had been joined by old crop corn. New crop corn joined all three wheats and soybeans with a higher close. Hogs opened lower but then reve...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.69/bushel, down $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.43/bushel, up $0.12 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.58/bushel, up $0.0775 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $296.9/short ton, up $2.6 from ye...

Trade Deals Being Worked on With Japan, China, and the EU

Japanese trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is in D.C. to talk trade. During a two-hour meeting with various officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Akazawa called for a review of recent U.S. tariffs, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said today Japan will not sacrifice its national...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Market Commentary: Mostly a Low Volume, Higher Close Day

It was the lowest trading volume day of the week for grains and soybeans. It started with soyoil the only major contract trading lower, but by mid-session it had been joined by old crop corn. New crop corn joined all three wheats and soybeans with a higher close. Hogs opened lower but then reve...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Summary of Futures

Jul 25 Corn closed at $4.69/bushel, down $0.0325 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Wheat closed at $5.43/bushel, up $0.12 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soybeans closed at $10.58/bushel, up $0.0775 from yesterday's close.  Jul 25 Soymeal closed at $296.9/short ton, up $2.6 from ye...

Trade Deals Being Worked on With Japan, China, and the EU

Japanese trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is in D.C. to talk trade. During a two-hour meeting with various officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Akazawa called for a review of recent U.S. tariffs, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said today Japan will not sacrifice its national...

FOB Prices and Freight Rates App (Updated 2 May)

Transportation and Freight Market Comments - 2 May 2025 By Matt Herrington Dry-Bulk Ocean Freight Dry bulk markets are finding some support from spot and 30-day demand but the Section 301 rules are depressing grain demand past July. Cargo orders from northern Brazil are increasing as South Amer...

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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.

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