President Trump started tweeting between 4 and 5 a.m. this morning about the China trade negotiations, shortly after tariff rates on $200 billion of imports of China were hiked from 10 percent to 25 percent at 12:01 a.m. Additional tariffs could be in the works, but according to the president’s twitter account, so could a purchase of about $15 billion in commodities (destined for food aid donations). Following is a recap of how the tariffs have developed:
The 10 percent tariffs on about $200 billion worth of Chinese imports were announced on 21 September 2018 and levied on 24 September. The 21 September announcement included an escalator clause that provided a tariff rate increase to 25 percent on 1 January 2019. On 19 December...
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...
