Milling Wheat The market is closely watching the weather development in southern Russia and Ukraine as the drought has been persisting for about three weeks with no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days. The winter wheat will certainly be fine for two more weeks without precipitation as there is still enough moisture in the soil. If rains do not appear by mid-May, however, the wheat will deteriorate irreversibly. The EU reported 365,000 MT of exports last week, bringing the total to 16.3 MMT versus 21 MMT at the same time last year. As the export pace remains slow, this year’s final total will probably not even reach 20 MMT versus most EU analysts’ estimate of 24-25 MMT just three months ago. The EU ending stocks will be h...
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.