Awkward Trade Talks The Trump administration formally notified the U.S. Congress today of its intent to enter trade negotiations with Japan, the EU and the UK. The announcement is notable given the following viewpoints of the other governments:
The Abe government in Tokyo is being dragged into talks reluctantly. Brussels has been focusing bilateral talks on standards harmonization while framing a broader trade negotiation as more difficult and time-consuming. Teresa May would prefer to finish Brexit negotiations before engaging in other bilateral arrangements.
Chemical Takes
U.S. environmental groups are upset that the EPA is considering approval of two pesticides, sulfoxaflor and Flupyradifurone, to replace neonicotinoi...
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...
