Steel Threats President Donald Trump is set to announce his decision tomorrow on Section 232 duties to be applied to imported steel and aluminum products. Today the EU disclosed the various American products that could face $2.8 billion worth of punitive tariffs if its steel is included in the Trump announcement. Since Section 232 is enshrined in U.S. rights under the WTO, Brussels technically needs to go through the Dispute Settlement Body process to have it overruled. Otherwise, Mr. Trump can simply declare his counterretaliation. The EU mentions these products in an effort to get the U.S. to unilaterally withdraw and thus avoid elongated litigation. It is somewhat effective since the White House is already hinting that it may exempt Can...
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.