According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the trade deficit in goods and services grew slightly to $68.2 billion in December 2020. U.S. exports actually increased, but imports grew faster. The bigger issue is that both exports and imports grew, which means economic activity grew. The U.S. economy and the global economy are starting to return to normal. While two-way trade was down 1.7 percent in January in dollar terms, it was up 1.1 percent over December. Two-way trade is the real measure of economic growth on the trade front. On the topic of imports, the total value of imports in January stood at 5.7 percent greater than pre-COVID February 2020, and 3.2 percent more than January 2020. That’s a sign that the U.S. economy is growing and t...
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
Accountability and a comprehensive approach to export programming
WPI’s team helped construct a strategic approach to develop, implement, and track promotional activities in 8 key regions across the globe for an agricultural export association. With continued progress measurement and strategic advisory services from WPI, the association has seen its ROI from investments in promotional programming increase by 44 percent over the past 5 years. Not only does this type of holistic approach to organizational strategy provide measurable results to track and analyze, it fosters top-down and bottom-up organizational accountability.