Regional Updates It might be a good idea for all people in the grain business, with an eye to COVID-19, to read section 21 of GAFTA contract #27: “Prevention of Shipment”. This section, which is included in most GAFTA contracts, helps to clarify buyer/seller situation in the case of the “prohibition of shipment” or “force majeure”. Details of the contracts can be found on GAFTA’s website: www.gafta.com. MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA Iraq’s Trade Ministry is said to be looking for additional funding to help build strategic supplies of wheat and rice in the country. Larger grain supplies are needed due to the increase in demand related to COVID-19. Budgeting by the government ha...
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...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
Key Takeaways: Texas illustrates the assumptions underlying the 2025 FMMO reform; Idaho exposes their limitations. The Southwest order blend (roughly 27 percent Class I, 32 percent Class III and 31 percent Class IV) exposes Texas producers to every lever USDA adjusted, with a near-neutral proj...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.