Olive oil is a niche product, comprising just under one percent of total global vegetable oil production. It is also higher priced, and only becoming more so as production drops. Europe produces around 62 percent of global olive oil and supplies half the world trade. Production is primarily in Spain, plus Portugal and Greece. Drought in southern Europe has harmed production. Because it is a niche product and is expensive, it is mostly a first world problem. The U.S. alone imports 45 percent of globally traded olive oil outside of the EU. The brunt of the impact of reduced supply is more likely to impact importers in places like Brazil and Mexico. ...
Key Takeaways: Dry bulk markets are mixed this week with the Capesize sector seeing a sharp correction from its recent rally. Smaller vessel classes are steady/firmer but the Chinese Golden Week Holiday is pressuring near-term rates. Dry bulk freight did not receive the bullish boost it...
Markets are getting a quarter-end reality check as September comes to a close. Growth, inflation and interest rates remain central to the macro outlook, while tight diesel supplies keep pressure on the cost of moving goods. States are stepping in with relief, but policy changes alone cannot reb...
Key Takeaways: Russia recently said it would convert existing export terminals in the Baltic and Arctic Seas to handle grain as the Black and Azov Seas remain closed to maritime trade. Futures markets reacted negatively to this news, but does the conversion matter to short-term and long-...
From WPI Consulting
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.