The U.S. Commerce Department is doubling the tariff on softwood lumber imported from Canada to 18.32 percent. The hike is coming at a time of record lumber prices in the U.S. and a growing housing shortage. The tax hike will hurt American consumers more than it will help U.S. forestry workers since demand exceeds supply. China intends to put price controls on corn and other commodities to protect consumers. Producers will still receive guaranteed minimum prices, but intermediaries will not be able to charge higher prices. Typically, supply shortages are created when prices are held artificially low, but that assumes a market economy. China recently expressed interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific...
What You Need to Know Today: Markets got a surprise with a corn yield of 181.2 bushels/acre in the October WASDE, above the average estimate of 177.6 bushels/acre and up from USDA’s September estimate of 178.5 bushels/acre. Although stronger demand is expected to absorb some of the addit...
Key Takeaways: On Friday afternoon, President Trump announced that Russia will “immediately supply over 300,000 Tons of Diesel Fuel” to the United States. The deal, typical of this administration, is light on details but promises an additional 500,000 tons in November and 1 m...
The USDA has lowered its 2026 red meat production forecasts slightly while forecasting a slight increase in broiler production. Beef is now projected at 24.802 billion pounds, 75 million pounds less than in September. Cow slaughter is expected to be up; however, this will be offset by lower ste...
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.