World Perspectives
wheat

Pasta versus Bread

Wheat is the largest and possibly oldest consumed food grain in the world, but its future is slowing down. Known as the staff of life, about 50 percent more wheat is consumed than rice, though about 18 percent of wheat destruction is from feed use. Bread is a predominant use of wheat, though pasta is also a demand medium. This past Saturday (17 October) was National Pasta Day, but all of November is National Bread Month. Globally, the OECD forecasts total wheat use increasing 1 percent between 2015 and 2024, which means that on a per capita basis, it will decline over that period by -0.01 percent. Consumption in North America is in decline and it is incurring slow growth in Europe. Turkey is the largest per capita consumer of wheat, using...

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feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 8 September)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Mercosur Regional Analysis

Wheat  Last week’s rainfall covered much of Argentina’s western wheat-growing region, improving prospects for cereals there. Still, 27.3 percent of the area now shows excess water — up from 7 percent the prior week — mainly in the east and south, where fungal diseas...

Japan–U.S. Trade Deal Implemented

The U.S.-Japan trade deal is now in place. It provides for a 15 percent tariff on most goods entering from Japan. For goods that were subject to tariffs less than 15 percent will now face higher duties at 15 percent, but goods that faced duties of 15 percent or higher will not increase. The tar...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

WPI Crop Progress and Conditions App (Updated 8 September)

Update for 28 April 2025: Last year, users pointed out differences between the 5-year averages reported in this app and what USDA estimates in its weekly report. The difference exists because WPI calculates average based on the last 5 years of observations for the current week. In cases where o...

feed-grains soy-oilseeds wheat

Mercosur Regional Analysis

Wheat  Last week’s rainfall covered much of Argentina’s western wheat-growing region, improving prospects for cereals there. Still, 27.3 percent of the area now shows excess water — up from 7 percent the prior week — mainly in the east and south, where fungal diseas...

Japan–U.S. Trade Deal Implemented

The U.S.-Japan trade deal is now in place. It provides for a 15 percent tariff on most goods entering from Japan. For goods that were subject to tariffs less than 15 percent will now face higher duties at 15 percent, but goods that faced duties of 15 percent or higher will not increase. The tar...

soy-oilseeds

WPI U.S. State Soybean Yield and Production Forecasts

Following WPI’s discussion on Friday of state-level corn yield and production estimates, we offer the following outlook for the U.S. soybean crop on a state-by-state basis. Like corn, the size and yield potential of the 2025 U.S. soybean crop is of increasing debate with the USDA’s...

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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.

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