U.S. trade policy has been a constant companion for grain and soy markets virtually every day since President Trump was inaugurated in January 2017. One of his first moves was to pull the U.S out of the pending Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership (TTP) agreement among Pacific Rim countries. He then demanded that NAFTA be renegotiated under threat that the U.S. would otherwise withdraw from it. He slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports under the guise of national security, including some from long-time trading partners and allies. Chinese trading practices and the large U.S. trade deficit with that country have been favorite Trump targets since early in his campaign. He initiated a trade dispute with China by putting tariffs on imports f...
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.