In response to the coronavirus, governments around the world increased trade barriers and made policy pledges for greater self-sufficiency. Typically, livestock products are the easiest to block since they are more biologically active, containing or attracting a broader number of organisms that compromise their importation upon inspection. Rabobank characterized animal protein trade in 2020 as full of uncertainties. There may have been uncertainties but there were also false impressions. While the expansion in beef and chicken trade slowed in 2020 from a year earlier, pork exports more than doubled thanks to China. Instead of shrinking, the overall increase in meat and poultry trade for 2020 exceeded the previous year’s rate of growth...
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...