News from inside the trade negotiations with China has generally been positive for about six months. Starting late last year (19 December 2018), the 1 January effective date of the U.S. tariff rate increases on Chinese goods was pushed back to 2 March to facilitate ongoing negotiations. From that time until 6 May, the administration repeatedly said that progress was steady, a deal was in the offing and that the U.S. tariffs imposed on China were working. At this point, that assertion about the effectiveness of tariffs is a highly unprovable proposition. Overall, China stopped importing U.S. goods at a higher rate through 2018 than the U.S. stopped importing Chinese goods. While the first quarter (Q1) 2019 trade deficit with China is way do...
Infrastructure investment due diligence
On behalf of a Canadian oilseed processer WPI's team provided market analysis, econometric modeling and financial due diligence in support of a $24 million-dollar investment in a Ukrainian crush plant. Consistent with WPI's findings, local production to supply the plant and the facility's output have expanded exponentially since the investment. WPI has conducted parallel work on behalf of U.S., South American and European clients, both private and public, in the agri-food space.
What You Need to Know Today: The corn and soybean markets closed slightly higher in low-volume trade. The wheat market was mixed, with HRW continuing its downward trek on improved moisture. As expected, the bearish cattle on feed report drove down cattle prices and pulled hogs down with it. Mi...
Monday, 25 May is a U.S. holiday, and both the markets and our office will be closed. Please note that the next issue of Ag Perspectives will be published on Tuesday, 26 May. The WPI staff wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend...
USDA’s monthly cattle on feed report was released today. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity amounted to 11.6 million head, 102 percent of last year. Source: USDA, WPI Placements were up, but part of that is attributable to persistent drought c...