Regional News Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Gordeyev remarked on Saturday that the world’s leading grain exporters should consider forming an OPEC-like cartel. The idea is not new, as Gordeyev previously lobbied for such an organization during his 10-year tenure as agriculture minister that ended in 2009. His early ideas were the Black Sea producers (Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan) would compose the cartel, but the latest idea seems to include the EU, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and others. A large grain and oilseed farm in Romania, Agricost, owned by the UAE’s Al Dahra group, has received a EUR 28.8 million loan from Romania’s EximBank. The state-controlled bank lent the money to Agricost i...
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.