Regional Updates MIDDLE EAST/MEDITERRANEAN COMMENTS Egypt had rejected a cargo of French wheat due to high ergot levels, but the 63,000 MT were found to be within required standards upon retesting. As a result, the wheat will be discharged and released from Safaga port. The FAO reports that Iraq’s 2019 grain crops should be up nearly 67 percent over 2018 with wheat showing the largest increase from 2.2 MMT to 4 MMT. Total grain production of 5.1 MMT will be about 18 percent above the five-year average of 4.3 MMT. However, the low production in 2018 means that grain imports in early 2019 will be 25 percent higher than the five-year average at approximately 5.2 MMT, including 3.7 MMT of wheat and 1.2 MMT of rice. The first 2019 wheat...
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.