The Chinese government announced last year a 10-percent ethanol blend mandate effective in 2020. The move brought encouragement to corn and ethanol makers elsewhere in the world since China’s huge corn stocks keep global prices depressed. However, now Wu Tianlong of the quasi-governmental Rural Economy Research Center says corn stocks have fallen so low that there isn’t the corn to meet the mandate and so it will be adjusted. Wu says that state stockpiles of corn have fallen to 56 MMT over the past two years, a 72 percent reduction from the 200 MMT in 2017. However, that does not account for China’s actual total supply and USDA’s research only finds a 7.5 percent reduction in corn carryover stocks. Moreo...
What You Need to Know Today: Crude oil prices extended their rally today, supported by several developments, including escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure and growing concerns about supply disruptions. The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to remove 50 perc...
Regional News Dry weather across the UK and Europe is becoming increasingly concerning for the 2027 crops as planting intentions are lowered amid dry soil conditions. Delayed sowing or establishment under adverse conditions could leave crops more vulnerable to frost/freeze events and dise...
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.