Cash Distortions The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled today that olive imports from Europe are injuring domestic producers. Antidumping/countervailing duties (AD/CVD) of nearly 35 percent will become applicable on 24 July. The EU worries that the case sets the precedent that the Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP’s) direct payments, considered Green Box under the WTO, will be categorized as market-distorting. It should be noted that econometric runs find distortions whenever farmers receive a chunk of cash. Separately, the G-33 group of developing nations called on the WTO to move forward on its demand for greater rights to impose barriers against imports (special safeguards provisions). War on Vocabulary Maj...
What You Need to Know Today: Commodities were mostly lower across the board today after yesterday’s Federal Reserve meeting hinted at a potential interest rate hike later in 2026. The dollar index reached its highest level in over a year, and a strong dollar makes U.S. agricultural expor...
Tomorrow is the Juneteenth federal holiday, and the USDA, along with the rest of the federal government and the CME, will be closed, so the monthly Cattle on Feed report was released a day early. The total number of cattle on feed in feedlots with 1,000 head or more capacity on 1 June amounted...
From WPI Consulting
Weighing in on strategic realignment
WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.