Higher Cotton Production Could Bring Prices Down The land planted to cotton in India has increased 18.62 percent to 12.1 million hectares in 2017/18 versus 10.2 million hectares in 2016/17. Farmers shifted to cotton as they were unable to make a profit last year with other crops, mainly pulses and oilseeds. The Ministry of Agriculture, government of India (GOI) data of 6 October indicates the country is expected to produce 33.09 million bales (170 kg each) this year, up 2.53 percent against 32.273 million bales in 2016/17. However, GOI’s first estimate of the 2017/18 cotton production is much lower than that of the Cotton Association of India (CAI), which is projecting a total 37.5 million bales due to the expanded planted area. The...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
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...
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.