Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA The recent USDA-FAS report on Saudi Arabia’s barley trade says Arasco Saudi is marketing complete feed – Wafi brand – at a price about 20 percent lower than the price of imported barley. The report adds that this low price for feed is probably a temporary measure to build market share for Wafi feed. The report also says the government importer of barley - Saudi Arabian Grain Organization (SAGO) - has increased their local price for barley in order to actually make a profit. The higher barley price has decreased demand and is said to have shifted some consumption over to lower cost corn. Barley imports this year are down by about 12 percent to 1.7 MMT. Also in...
Grains posted strong gains today, putting the bulls firmly in the driver’s seat. There was no shortage of fuel for the move, with three W’s driving the rally: weather, war and worry. Weather: Cooler temperatures are temporarily easing stress across the Northern Plains and Midwest, b...
Key Takeaways: Global and U.S. cotton demand has struggled since the post-COVID-19 pandemic surge, which has left cotton prices drifting lower in the U.S. The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, along with their impact on global energy markets, could boost cotton demand...
Russian Grain Markets: 13–17 July 2026 New-crop trading dominated the Russian grain market during the week as old-crop business largely came to an end. Most transactions shifted to new-crop supplies, establishing new price ranges across the market. Bearish sentiment prevailed across most...
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.