Regional Updates MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EAST COMMENTS It looks to be good news for grain importers as most experts in the ocean freight business are expecting dry-bulk freight rates to be steady to lower over the next year. The long expected rally in prices due to new low-sulfur requirement level doesn’t look to be happening. Vessel fuel cost will probably move higher when using low-sulfur fuel, but the experts say that an increase in available new vessels and a drop in demand from China will help to keep freight rates from moving higher. However, there will still be ups and downs in the grain freight rate that will be tied to the peaks in grain exports from Argentina, Brazil, USA and the Black Sea. Egypt’s Ministry of Supply 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.