Trade “Blowback?” The Trump administration is about to make decisions on import protection for several industrial products (steel, solar panels, aluminum), and the question is whether the level of protections will be moderate or aggressive. Some are warning of severe “blowback” from trading partners such as China if the White House takes an aggressive stance. In truth, the safeguards to be exercised are legal, but that doesn’t mean there will be no consequences from a country like China. It is notable that addressing China with the economic and geopolitical challenges it poses is one area where the American political left and right together with Europe are all in agreement. Separately, Royal Bank of Canada CE...
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.