Regional News Last week initially saw hot temperatures across Southeast Europe before a slight cooling pattern set in. The early-week heat, combined with this week’s forecast for additional hot, dry weather, will likely hinder late-filling crop yields. The hot, dry weather may reduce soybean, sunflower, and to some extent, corn yields and production figures. However, the Black Sea regions of Ukraine and Russia are expected to have dry, somewhat warmer weather that will not be as detrimental to yields. Ukraine’s grain exports are setting a strong pace for the 2019/20 marketing year, up 7.3 MMT YTD. Exports have risen to 11.1 MMT, including 6.75 MMT of wheat, 1.88 MMT of corn, and 2.45 MMT of barley. For the 2019/20 crop y...
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
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.