Export Taxes Argentina’s difficult economic situation forced the Argentine peso to devaluate from 21 to 25.5 pesos/dollar in May. The Argentine government announced a negotiation with the IMF for a loan of $30 billion dollars to stabilize the Argentine peso. The IMF should require the government to address the fiscal deficit. As a reaction, the Agriculture Ministry announced an export duty of 15 percent for biodiesel starting next July. Argentina had already imposed an 8 percent duty on exporters after the U.S. increase on import duties to 65 percent, in an attempt to have the U.S. remove it’s import tariffs. The need for a big adjustment to fiscal policy to addres the deficit created rumors last week that Argentina might appl...
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...
Let’s return briefly to the fake meat hype cycle, now sitting somewhere in a dusty corner of your mind, not entirely forgotten. What happened to all those products, known as plant-based alternative proteins? They were supposed to be as good as real meat—cheaper, more environmentally...