Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS Iran’s SLAL did not buy any barley in its 200,000 MT tender last week. While some say that financing problems stopped the purchase, others maintain that the prices were just too high. U.S. sanctions were also said to be part of the financing issue as international banks are concerned about their application. Russia is pushing hard to be allowed in Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Trade experts say that with its wheat going into Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan, there is probably not much justification to keep it out of other markets in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. It is possible that Algeria may find a reason to slightly modify its strict requirement on the permit...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
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...
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.