Soy Planting Substantially Delayed in Brazil A late beginning of the rainy season in Brazil continues to delay the planting of soybeans in Brazil. The firm Safras & Mercado reports only 0.9 percent of the planned area of soybeans had been planted in Brazil as of 27 September. That compares with 4.9 percent a year ago and the 5-year average of 2.3 percent. In Mato Grosso, the largest soybean producing state, only 1 percent of soybeans had been planted versus 5 percent a year ago. It remains dry in most of Mato Grosso where plantings are expected to reach 2 percent by the end of this week. More rainfall has been received this week in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and much of Parana. In Parana, the second-largest soybean pr...
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.
Key Market Insights The broad market is locked in on this week’s Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing, but this is no longer just a trade summit. Increasingly, the meeting is becoming tied directly to Iran, energy security, and the growing global economic fallout from disruptions through the Strai...