Importing Insight from the Global Crop Inputs Industry
The challenges facing the crop input industry are straightforward, but the solutions aren’t necessarily simple, writes Dan Jacobs at AgriBusiness Global. Sourcing and the related issue of pricing continue to be major concerns as the industry also contends with the U.S.-China trade war, concern over the future of U.S./India relations, product bans, and weather.
So, what are importers to do?
AgriBusiness Global™ magazine, sister publication to CropLife, interviewed industry experts from across the supply chain to learn how they’re dealing with these issues. The availability of raw materials and where they will come from seem to be the main concerns for many that need to import product.
Jim DeLisi, Owner of Fanwood Chemical Inc., said continued uncertainty vis-a-vis China, from an environmental point of view as well as tariffs, is a concern. “There are also concerns about a possible breakdown in the trading relationship with India,” he said.
CS Liew
That uncertainty ripples throughout the supply chain. “The continued price fluctuations and non-availability of some products due to the ongoing disruptions in key raw material supplies,” said C S Liew, the Managing Director for Pacific Agriscience.
Much of that worry comes from the disruptions and reorganization going on in China due to the crackdown on companies violating environmental regulations. “Our main challenge going into 2020 is inventory positioning and pricing; (we’re focused on) having the right products (and right amount) on hand at a market-competitive price point,” Kevin Fry, President, Fry Brothers Fertilizer and Chemical, said. “We had issues last year with glyphosate, clethodim, and bifenthrin, to name three. We also had challenges with corn and soybean pre-herbicides, as farmers and dealers were uncertain of planting acres unusually late this year. This could be an issue again in 2020.”
Continue reading at AgriBusiness Global.
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