Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST COMMENTS Iran is reported to have bought as much as 1 MMT of wheat recently with quite a bit from Russia, but also significant purchases said to be from Germany. Iran’s total wheat imports for 12 months are expected to reach about 3 MMT. Reports are that recently there were 20 grain ships stalled outside Iranian ports that could not discharge due to payment problems to suppliers. According to news reports, most of the recent wheat purchases by Iran were not through major international grain companies but through middle eastern and Asian trading houses. Egypt will once again be sending grain inspectors to load ports to check on wheat cargoes. Load port inspections and approval had been stop...
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.
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...
Inflation is back in the driver’s seat, and agriculture is getting pulled in two directions. A stronger dollar is pressuring grains despite fresh Chinese buying, while renewed Middle East attacks lift crude oil. Higher energy prices can support commodities, but they also raise expenses an...