Eating Crow Few free traders in Washington believe that President Trump’s tariffs first approach to trade policy is a good idea. In fact, they have mountains of economic studies highlighting the downside risks from the approach. Thus, it was surprising when powerful Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a critic of Mr. Trump’s approach, cited the USMCA and China agreements in saying he and other skeptics “ate a bit of crow.” A trade agreement with India may be the next positive outcome from this White House using GSP to leverage better trading terms for the U.S. Still, at this juncture it is hard to say that on net the American economy is better off under this approach. Green...
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...
From WPI Consulting
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.