Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS Grain importers in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region are concerned that Russia’s actions in the Kerch Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, could affect shipments from Ukraine. The delay in allowing vessels bound or loaded there through the Kerch is adding to transportation/freight/loading costs and could cause grain shortages for some MENA buyers. The Crimean/Russian authorities in charge of the Kersh-Yenikale Canal say that the delays are related to weather in the form of very high winds. It has been reported in the trade that some international grain companies are rerouting vessel loading from Ukrainian/Azov Sea ports. The latest FAO report on Egypt...
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...
Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday, and the USDA, along with the rest of the federal government and the CME, will be closed, so the monthly Cattle on Feed report was released a day early. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity on 1 June amounted...
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.