This could be the day the EPA issues the Required Volume Obligations (RVOs) proposal for ethanol use in 2019 and biodiesel use in 2020. It would be subject to a comment period and faces a statutory deadline of 30 November for finalization. Suggested reforms may also be included in the EPA announcement. First is the possibility of a proposed rule that would provide a waiver, which could be included in the 2019 RVO, allowing year-round E15 sales. As has been previously discussed, such sales are currently prohibited from 1 June to 15 September due to rules that regulate evaporative volatility of fuels. Another potential reform is the much-anticipated and highly-rumored plan to reallocate small refinery waivers to the general pool of obligate...
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.
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...