EU Rapeseed Crushers Impacted by Argentine Biodiesel Imports EU rapeseed processors have done quite well in recent years because of EU tariffs blocking biodiesel imports from the U.S., Argentina and Indonesia. With practically no foreign competition to biodiesel made in Europe, mostly from rapeseed oil, the crushers had a profitable outlet for their production. That is no longer the case, however, because the EU was forced to sharply reduce tariffs on Argentine biodiesel in September after a WTO panel ruled its antidumping duties (ADs) were inconsistent with that body’s rules. Subsequently, the U.S. imposed countervailing duties (CVDs) on the same biodiesel, which effectively blocked such imports. As a result, Argentina has been dive...
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: 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...
From WPI Consulting
Forecasting developments in production agriculture
On behalf of a private U.S. agricultural technology provider, WPI’s team generated an econometric model to forecast the movement of concentrated corn production north and west from the traditional U.S. Corn Belt. WPI’s model has subsequently provided quantitative support to a multi-million-dollar investment into short-season corn variety development. WPI’s methodology included a series of interviews with regional grain elevators and seed consultants. Emphasizing outreach and communication with stakeholders who possess intimate sectoral knowledge – on-the-ground insights – is a regular component of WPI’s methodologies, made possible by WPI’s ever-growing network of industry contacts.