A look at two politically-sensitive products under NAFTA.The second round of NAFTA negotiations finished last week, which could have been called the “ham and tomato” round from the bilateral U.S.-Mexico perspective. The two countries’ negotiators sunk into a direct tit-for-tat argument during the ag talks over two commodities each side considers a politically-sensitive product: Mexican tomatoes and U.S. primal hams.One of the trade negotiating objectives listed by the U.S. Trade Representative in mid-July was to lower the threshold for establishing antidumping and countervailing duty cases on perishable and seasonal products such as Florida tomatoes. Imports of Mexican tomatoes into the U.S. grew from 1.2 billion pounds in 2000 to 3.2 billi...
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...