The January 2019 soybean futures chart (see below) clearly shows the steep price decline that occurred after China imposed a 25 percent duty on soybean imports from the U.S., a retaliatory response in its trade dispute with the latter. The soybean trade issue was a hot topic across farm country during the midterm election, although it didn’t seem to hurt Republicans. Incumbent Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) pounded on this in her campaign, but she still lost by a wide margin. It was interesting that no campaign ads mentioned the $1.65/bushel special government soybean payment. 85 cents of that has been authorized to be paid as soon as farmers confirm their 2018 soybean yield, and it is assumed that the remaining payment will...
What You Need to Know Today: After a period of limited activity, USDA reported a sizeable 613 KMT in soybean export sales, including 330 KMT to China and 283 KMT to unknown destinations, potentially also China. The purchases represent a meaningful pickup in demand and bring China closer to ful...
Key Takeaways: Consumer spending is a key driver of the U.S. economy, and the latest retail sales data indicate that spending remains robust despite inflation. In September, total retail and food service sales rose more than 6 percent year-over-year, with food service spending up 7 percent and...
The Trump import plan for 300,000 MT of beef supplies used for ground beef, i.e., lean trim, from September through November has, according to Secretary Brooke Rollins, brought some relief to beef prices. The Executive Order states that the Secretary of Agriculture will analyze and review the m...
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.