Pork Problems Bloomberg reports that surplus stocks of pork meat are piling up in Europe and especially in Germany as an outbreak of African Swine Fever has locked suppliers out of important export markets. Pig prices are reportedly down 40 percent since March and carcass values are the lowest since 2016. Moreover, it could be another year before disease management will enable exports to resume. However, the larger threat to the industry may be the rise of the Green Party in Germany. The Greens have the opportunity to win control of the government in elections in 2021 and in the past has been a proponent of policies such as the meat-free veggie days at the country’s canteens. Separately, organized labor and other groups are protesti...
What You Need to Know Today: USDA reports are delayed until Tuesday due to the federal holiday on Monday. Over the weekend, President Trump announced a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Russia warmly welcomed and confirmed this ceasefire by conducting more strikes against Ukraine. Specific...
On Saturday, 10 October, at a campaign rally in Clarksville, Tennessee, President Trump said that the U.S. and Mexico would come to terms on a new trade deal, and he said Canada does not need to be part of the deal. Trump called the coming agreement with Mexico “great” but gave no d...
Key Takeaways: The United States has steadily lost global wheat export market share since the 1970s, falling from the world's leading exporter to a projected fifth place in 2026/27. The rapid expansion of Black Sea wheat exports, driven by improved productivity and export infrastructure, has r...
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.